Write short notes on the following: Carbylamine reaction

Explanation:

The reactant of this reaction is a primary Amine, chloroform and a strong base and the product is an isocyanide compound that's why it is also known as Hofmann isocyanide synthesis.

The product in this reaction is isocyanide also known as carbylamine.

Dichlorocarbene is the intermediate in this reaction which is generated by the dehydrohalogenation of chloroform with the help of a strong base.

Only primary amine gives isocyanide in this reaction so it can be used as a test of primary amine.

Final Answer:

Carbylamine reaction is used to test primary amines as it is given by primary aromatic and aliphatic amines only. The secondary and tertiary amines give negative test for it.