Question:medium

Which of the following reactions will not give a primary amine?

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When reducing amides, nitriles, or using the Hofmann Bromamide reaction, primary amines are obtained. However, the reduction of isocyanides produces a secondary amine instead.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • \( \text{CH}_3\text{CONH}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Br}_2/\text{KOH}} \)
  • \( \text{CH}_3\text{CN} \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \)
  • \( \text{CH}_3\text{NC} \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \)
  • \( \text{CH}_3\text{CONH}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The reactions and their respective products are as follows:
(a) Hofmann Bromamide Reaction:\[\text{CH}_3\text{CONH}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Br}_2/\text{KOH}} \text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2.\]This reaction converts an amide (\( \text{CONH}_2 \)) to a primary amine (\( \text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2 \)) with the elimination of one carbon atom.
(b) Reduction of Nitriles:\[\text{CH}_3\text{CN} \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2.\]Nitriles (\( \text{CN} \)) are reduced to primary amines (\( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2 \)) using lithium aluminium hydride (\( \text{LiAlH}_4 \)).
(c) Reduction of Isocyanides (Methyl Isocyanide):\[\text{CH}_3\text{NC} \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{NHCH}_3.\]Isocyanides (\( \text{NC} \)) are reduced to secondary amines (\( \text{CH}_3\text{NHCH}_3 \)) using lithium aluminium hydride. Therefore, this reaction does not yield a primary amine.
(d) Reduction of Amides:\[\text{CH}_3\text{CONH}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2.\]Amides (\( \text{CONH}_2 \)) are reduced to primary amines (\( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2 \)) using lithium aluminium hydride. Conclusion:Among the given reactions, option (c) does not produce a primary amine; it produces a secondary amine instead. Final Answer:\[\boxed{\text{CH}_3\text{NC} \xrightarrow{\text{LiAlH}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{NHCH}_3 \text{ (Secondary Amine)}}.\]
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