Describe a method for the identification of primary , secondary and tertiary amines . Also write the chemical equations for the reactions involved .

Explanation

Primary, secondary aand tertiary amines can be identified and distinguished by Hinsberg's test. In this test, the amines are allowed to react with Hinsberg's reagent, benzenesulphonyl chloride `(C_(6)H_(5)SO_(2)Cl_(2))`. The three types of amines react differently with Hinsberg's reagent. Therefore, they can be easily indentified using Hinsberg's reagent. Primary amines react with benzenesulphonyl chloride to form N-alkylbenzenesulphonly amide wihich is solubel in alkali.

Due to the presence of a strong electron- withdrawing sulphonyl group in the sulphonamide, the H-atom attached t nitrogen can be easily released as proton. So,it is acidic and dissolves in alkali.
Secondary amines react with Hinsberg's reagent to give a sulphonamide which is insoluble in alkali.

There is no H-atom attached to the N-atom in the sulphonamide. Therefore, it is not acidic and insoluble in alkali.
On the other hand, tertiaryf amines do not react with Hinsberg's reagent at all.