The compound obtained by heating a mixture of a primary amine and chloroform with ethanolic potassium hydroxide (KOH) is

Options

A. an alkyl isocyanide
B. an alkyl halide
C. an amide
D. an amide and nitro compound.

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the compound obtained by heating a mixture of a primary amine and chloroform with ethanolic potassium hydroxide (KOH), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
We have a primary amine (RNH2) and chloroform (CHCl3) as our reactants. The primary amine can be represented generically as RNH2, where R is an alkyl group.

**Hint:** Remember that primary amines have the general formula RNH2, where R is an alkyl group.

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Conditions
The reaction is conducted in the presence of ethanolic potassium hydroxide (KOH). This is a strong base that will facilitate the reaction between the primary amine and chloroform.

**Hint:** KOH in ethanol acts as a base and is crucial for the reaction to proceed.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
When a primary amine reacts with chloroform in the presence of KOH, a specific reaction occurs known as the carbylamine reaction. The primary amine reacts with chloroform to form an isocyanide.

1. The KOH deprotonates the primary amine, forming an amine anion (RNH).
2. The amine anion then reacts with chloroform, leading to the formation of an isocyanide (RNC).

**Hint:** The carbylamine reaction is specific for primary amines and leads to the formation of isocyanides.

### Step 4: Write the Product
The product formed from this reaction is an isocyanide, which can be represented as RNC. For example, if R is a methyl group (CH3), the product will be methyl isocyanide (CH3NC).

**Hint:** The general formula for the product is RNC, indicating that it is an isocyanide.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the compound obtained by heating a mixture of a primary amine and chloroform with ethanolic potassium hydroxide is an alkyl isocyanide.

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is **Option A: Alkyl isocyanide**.