Question

Which of the following reagents are suitable to differentiate Aniline and N-methylaniline chemically?

• A. Br₂ water
• B. Conc. Hydrochloric acid and anhydrous zinc chloride
• C. Chloroform and Alcoholic potassium hydroxide
• D. Acetic anhydride

Hint:

The Hinsberg test with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide is commonly used to differentiate between primary and secondary amines, such as aniline and N-methylaniline.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂) and N-methylaniline (C₆H₅NHCH₃) are both aromatic amines, but they react differently with certain reagents due to the difference in the substituent attached to the nitrogen. One of the distinguishing tests for these compounds is the Hinsberg test, which uses chloroform (CHCl₃) and alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH). In this test: - Aniline reacts with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide to form a soluble product (the product will be a sulfonamide). - N-Methylaniline, however, does not react in the same way and does not form the sulfonamide under these conditions. Thus, the suitable reagents to differentiate Aniline from N-methylaniline are chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide.