Question
Identify the reagent used to distinguish primary and secondary amines by Hinsberg test.
MHT CET
Chemistry
Amines
2026
MHT CET 2026 (20 April Shift 2)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. NaNO _2 and HCl
- B. FeCl _3 (alc)
- C. C _6 H _5 SO _2 Cl
- D. CHCl _3 and KOH (alc)
Answer
C. C _6 H _5 SO _2 Cl
Step-by-step solution
Hinsberg test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. The reagent used in this test is benzenesulfonyl chloride, which has the chemical formula C _6 H _5 SO _2 Cl . Primary amines react with Hinsberg reagent to form an N-alkylbenzenesulfonamide, which is soluble in alkali due to the presence of an acidic hydrogen attached to nitrogen. Secondary amines react to form an N,N-dialkylbenzenesulfonamide, which is insoluble in alkali as it lacks an acidic hydrogen. Tertiary amines do not react with Hinsberg reagent. Answer: C _6 H _5 SO _2 Cl
Related: Chemistry — Amines · All PYQ Banks