Question

In the reaction \[\ce{Primary amine + CHCl3 + alc{.} KOH -> Products}\], the main product is ______.

Options

• cyanide

• isocyanide

• acid

• aldehyde

Answer 1

In the reaction \[\ce{Primary amine + CHCl3 + alc{.} KOH -> Products}\], the main product is isocyanide.

Explanation:

1. When a primary amine reacts with chloroform (CHCl₃) and alcoholic KOH, it forms an isocyanide (also called carbylamine) through the carbylamine reaction.
2. This reaction involves the formation of an intermediate dichlorocarbene from chloroform under basic conditions, which then reacts with the primary amine to produce the isocyanide.