Compound (s) is used for the distinction of primary, secondary and tertiary amines is/are

Options

A. alkaline chloroform
B. benzenesulphonyl chloride
C. p-toluenesulfonyl chloride
D. both (2)& (3)

Answer

To distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, we can use the Hinsberg reagent, which is Benzene sulfonyl chloride (C6H5SO2Cl) or Para-toluenesulfonyl chloride (CH3C6H4SO2Cl). Here’s a step-by-step solution to the question:

### Step 1: Identify the types of amines
- **Primary amine (1°)**: Contains one alkyl group attached to the nitrogen atom (RNH2).
- **Secondary amine (2°)**: Contains two alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom (RNH(R’)).
- **Tertiary amine (3°)**: Contains three alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom (RNR’R’’).

### Step 2: Understand the role of the Hinsberg reagent
- The Hinsberg reagent (Benzene sulfonyl chloride) is used to react with amines to form sulfonamides. This reaction helps in distinguishing between the three types of amines based on their solubility.

### Step 3: Reaction mechanism
- When a primary amine reacts with Benzene sulfonyl chloride, it forms a soluble sulfonamide salt. The nitrogen in the primary amine acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon in the sulfonyl chloride, leading to the displacement of the chloride ion.

**Reaction**:
\[ RNH2 + C6H5SO2Cl \rightarrow C6H5SO2NHR + HCl \]

### Step 4: Analyze the solubility of products
- **Primary amine**: Forms a soluble sulfonamide salt.
- **Secondary amine**: Forms a sulfonamide, but it does not form a soluble salt in the same way as primary amines due to steric hindrance.
- **Tertiary amine**: Does not react with the Hinsberg reagent to form a sulfonamide, as there is no hydrogen atom on the nitrogen to facilitate the reaction.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- Based on the reactions and solubility, we can distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary amines using Benzene sulfonyl chloride or Para-toluenesulfonyl chloride. Thus, the answer to the question is:

**Answer**: Both Benzene sulfonyl chloride and Para-toluenesulfonyl chloride are used for the distinction of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines.