Primary and secondary amines can be distinguished by

Options

A. Schiff's reagent
B. Carbylamine reaction
C. Hofmann's bromamide reaction
D. Biuret reaction

Answer

To distinguish between primary and secondary amines, we can use the following step-by-step approach based on the Carbylamine reaction:

### Step 1: Understanding the Carbylamine Reaction
The Carbylamine reaction is a specific reaction that occurs with primary amines. It involves the reaction of a primary amine with chloroform (CHCl3) in the presence of a strong base, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). This reaction leads to the formation of an isocyanide (also known as carbylamine).

### Step 2: Setting Up the Reaction
To perform the test, take a sample of the amine you want to test (let's say it's in a test tube). Add chloroform to the test tube along with potassium hydroxide.

### Step 3: Observing the Reaction
After mixing the reagents, heat the mixture gently. If the amine is a primary amine, you will observe the formation of a foul-smelling isocyanide (carbylamine).

### Step 4: Analyzing the Results
If you detect the characteristic odor of the isocyanide, it confirms that the amine is a primary amine. If there is no reaction and no odor is detected, then the amine is either a secondary or tertiary amine, as these do not produce isocyanides in this reaction.

### Conclusion
Thus, primary amines can be distinguished from secondary amines using the Carbylamine reaction, where only primary amines will yield a positive result (the formation of isocyanide).

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