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{{Short description|Method of synthesizing an isocyanide}}
The '''Carbylamine reaction''' is a [[chemical test]] for detection of primary [[amine]]s. In this reaction, the analyte is heated with alcoholic [[potassium hydroxide]] and chloroform. If a primary amine is present, the isocyanide is formed.
The '''carbylamine reaction''' (also known as the '''Hoffmann isocyanide synthesis''') is the synthesis of an isocyanide by the reaction of a [[primary amine]], [[chloroform]], and base. The conversion involves the intermediacy of [[dichlorocarbene]].


Illustrative is the synthesis of [[tert-Butyl isocyanide|''tert''-butyl isocyanide]] from [[Tert-Butylamine|''tert''-butylamine]] in the presence of [[catalytic]] amount of the [[phase transfer catalyst]] [[benzyltriethylammonium chloride]].<ref>{{cite journal|author1=G. W. Gokel|author2=R. P. Widera|author3=W. P. Weber| title = Phase-transfer Hofmann Carbylamine Reaction: tert-Butyl Isocyanide|journal=Organic Syntheses| volume=55|doi=10.15227/orgsyn.055.0096| pages = 232| year = 1988}}</ref>
For example, the reaction with ethylamine:
:Me<sub>3</sub>CNH<sub>2</sub> + CHCl<sub>3</sub> + 3 NaOH → Me<sub>3</sub>CNC + 3 NaCl + 3 H<sub>2</sub>O


Similar reactions have been reported for aniline. It is used to prepare secondary amines.
[[Image:Carbylamine.png|500px|The carbylamine reaction with ethyl amine]]


==Test for primary amines==
The reaction with aniline:
As it is only effective for primary amines, the carbylamine reaction can be used as a [[chemical test]] for their presence. In this context, the reaction is also known as '''Saytzeff's isocyanide test'''.<ref>[http://www.books-about-california.com/Pages/Experimental_Organic_Chemistry/Ex_Organic_Chem_Chap_09.html Carbylamine reaction]</ref> In this reaction, the analyte is heated with alcoholic [[potassium hydroxide]] and chloroform. If a primary amine is present, the [[isocyanide]] (carbylamine) is formed, as indicated by a foul odour. The carbylamine test does not give a positive reaction with secondary and tertiary amines.


==Mechanism==
[[Image:Carbylamine2.PNG|500px|The carbylamine reaction with aniline]]
The mechanism involves the addition of amine to dichlorocarbene, a reactive intermediate generated by the [[dehydrohalogenation]] of chloroform. Two successive base-mediated dehydrochlorination steps result in formation of the isocyanide.


[[File:Carbylamine mechanism.png|center|frameless|400x400px]]
The carbylamine test does not give a positive reaction with secondary and tertiary amines.


==References==
== See also ==
[http://www.books-about-california.com/Pages/Experimental_Organic_Chemistry/Ex_Organic_Chem_Chap_09.html Carbylamine reaction]


* [[Isodiazomethane]]
* [[Carbene]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Organic reactions}}
[[Category:Organic reactions]]
[[Category:Organic reactions]]
[[Category:Chemical tests]]
[[Category:Chemical tests]]

Latest revision as of 20:57, 28 February 2024

The carbylamine reaction (also known as the Hoffmann isocyanide synthesis) is the synthesis of an isocyanide by the reaction of a primary amine, chloroform, and base. The conversion involves the intermediacy of dichlorocarbene.

Illustrative is the synthesis of tert-butyl isocyanide from tert-butylamine in the presence of catalytic amount of the phase transfer catalyst benzyltriethylammonium chloride.[1]

Me3CNH2 + CHCl3 + 3 NaOH → Me3CNC + 3 NaCl + 3 H2O

Similar reactions have been reported for aniline. It is used to prepare secondary amines.

Test for primary amines

[edit]

As it is only effective for primary amines, the carbylamine reaction can be used as a chemical test for their presence. In this context, the reaction is also known as Saytzeff's isocyanide test.[2] In this reaction, the analyte is heated with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and chloroform. If a primary amine is present, the isocyanide (carbylamine) is formed, as indicated by a foul odour. The carbylamine test does not give a positive reaction with secondary and tertiary amines.

Mechanism

[edit]

The mechanism involves the addition of amine to dichlorocarbene, a reactive intermediate generated by the dehydrohalogenation of chloroform. Two successive base-mediated dehydrochlorination steps result in formation of the isocyanide.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ G. W. Gokel; R. P. Widera; W. P. Weber (1988). "Phase-transfer Hofmann Carbylamine Reaction: tert-Butyl Isocyanide". Organic Syntheses. 55: 232. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.055.0096.
  2. ^ Carbylamine reaction