NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Primary aliphatic amines react with nitrous acid ( HNO₂ ) to liberate nitrogen gas quantitatively, a reaction utilized in the estimation of amino acids and proteins. Statement II: Secondary aliphatic amines react with nitrous acid ( HNO₂ ) to form unstable diazonium salts that decompose rapidly to yield nitrogen gas. In the light of the above statements, choose the most ap
Options
- ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- CStatement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
- DStatement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Correct answer
C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Step-by-step solution
Primary aliphatic amines react with nitrous acid ( HNO₂ ) to form aliphatic diazonium salts, which are highly unstable and decompose immediately to yield nitrogen gas and alcohols. The quantitative evolution of nitrogen gas is used in the estimation of amino acids and proteins. Thus, Statement I is correct. Secondary aliphatic amines react with nitrous acid to form N-nitrosamines, which are yellow oily liquids. They do not form diazonium salts and do not yield nitrogen gas. Thus, Statement II is incorrect. Answer: