Question:easy

The major product of carbylamine reaction is :

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Isocyanides are also called carbylamines, giving the reaction its name.
Secondary and tertiary amines do not undergo this reaction because they lack the required two hydrogens on nitrogen.
The foul smell of the product makes it an excellent laboratory test for primary amines.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • Carboxylic acid
  • Aldehyde
  • Cyanide
  • Isocyanide
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what the carbylamine test actually checks.
The carbylamine reaction works only on a primary amine, $\text{R-NH}_2$ or $\text{Ar-NH}_2$. The amine is heated with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide.
Step 2: Track what happens to the nitrogen.
Both hydrogens on the $-\text{NH}_2$ group are removed, and a carbon atom triple bonded to nitrogen takes their place. This gives the isocyanide group, $-\text{NC}$. \[ \text{R-NH}_2 + \text{CHCl}_3 + 3\text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{R-NC} + 3\text{KCl} + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \]
Step 3: Eliminate the other options.
A carboxylic acid or an aldehyde would need an oxygen atom to enter the product, and this reaction supplies none. Free cyanide ion is also not the isolated product; the carbon stays attached to nitrogen throughout.
Step 4: Connect the product to its known property.
The isocyanide formed has a sharp, foul smell, which is why chemists use this exact reaction as a quick test for primary amines.
\[ \boxed{\text{Major product} = \text{Isocyanide}} \]
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