Question

N,N-diethylbenzenesulphonamide is insoluble in alkali. Give reason.

Hint:

- Only acidic compounds dissolve in alkali. - The absence of an acidic hydrogen makes a compound insoluble in bases.

Answer 1

N,N-diethylbenzenesulphonamide does not contain any hydrogen atom attached to nitrogen, making it non-acidic and thus insoluble in alkali. 

Step 1: Understanding the Nature of N,N-Diethylbenzenesulphonamide - In order for a compound to dissolve in alkali, it must have an acidic hydrogen atom that can react with OH\(^-\). 

Step 2: Why It Is Insoluble - Sulphonamides that contain a hydrogen attached to nitrogen are acidic and dissolve in alkali. - However, in N,N-diethylbenzenesulphonamide, both hydrogen atoms on nitrogen are replaced by ethyl groups, making it non-acidic and hence, insoluble in alkali.