Question

Write balanced chemical equation of the reaction of ethanamine with Hinsberg reagent.

Hint:

Hinsberg’s reagent helps in classification of amines: primary = soluble, secondary = insoluble, tertiary = no reaction.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall Hinsberg test.
Primary amines react with Hinsberg’s reagent (benzenesulphonyl chloride) to form sulphonamide, soluble in alkali.
Step 2: Reaction.
Ethanamine + C\(_6\)H\(_5\)SO\(_2\)Cl → Ethanamide sulphonamide (soluble in alkali).
Step 3: Importance.
This reaction is used to distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary amines.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Ethanamine forms a soluble sulphonamide with Hinsberg’s reagent.