How many primary amines are possible for the formula `C_4 H_(11) N`

Options

A. 1
B. 3
C. 5
D. 4

Answer

To determine how many primary amines are possible for the formula \( C_4H_{11}N \), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Primary Amines
Primary amines are characterized by having one nitrogen atom attached to one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms. The general structure can be represented as \( R-NH_2 \), where \( R \) is an alkyl group.

### Step 2: Calculate the Degree of Unsaturation
The formula \( C_4H_{11}N \) suggests that we have 4 carbon atoms, 11 hydrogen atoms, and 1 nitrogen atom. We can use this information to determine the possible structures.

### Step 3: Identify the Longest Carbon Chain
The longest carbon chain that can be formed with 4 carbon atoms is butane (C4). We can have variations of butane to create different primary amines.

### Step 4: Draw Possible Structures
1. **Butan-1-amine**: The nitrogen is at the end of the butane chain.
- Structure: \( CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-CH_2-NH_2 \)

2. **Butan-2-amine**: The nitrogen is attached to the second carbon of the butane chain.
- Structure: \( CH_3-CH(NH_2)-CH_2-CH_3 \)

3. **2-Methylpropan-1-amine**: A branched structure where the nitrogen is at the end of the chain.
- Structure: \( (CH_3)_2-CH-CH_2-NH_2 \)

4. **2-Methylpropan-2-amine**: The nitrogen is attached to the second carbon of the branched structure.
- Structure: \( (CH_3)_2-CH(NH_2)-CH_3 \)

### Step 5: Count the Unique Primary Amines
From the structures drawn, we can identify four unique primary amines:
1. Butan-1-amine
2. Butan-2-amine
3. 2-Methylpropan-1-amine
4. 2-Methylpropan-2-amine

### Conclusion
Thus, the total number of primary amines possible for the formula \( C_4H_{11}N \) is **4**.