Question

A primary amine, RNH₂ can be reacted with CH₃—X to get secondary amine, R—NHCH₃ but the only disadvantage is that 3° amine and quaternary ammonium salts are also obtained as side products. Can you suggest a method where RNH₂ forms only 2° amine?

Answer 1

Carbylamine reaction is shown by 1° amine only which results in the replacement of two hydrogen atoms attached to nitrogen atom of NH2 group by one carbon atom. On catalytic reduction the isocyanide will give a secondary amine with one methyl group.