Question
Identify the major product obtained when ethyl amine is reacted with excess of methyl iodide ?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Amines
2026
MHT CET 2026 (17 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. Tetramethylammonium iodide
- B. Ethyltrimethylammonium iodide
- C. Ethyldimethylamine
- D. Ethylmethylamine
Answer
B. Ethyltrimethylammonium iodide
Step-by-step solution
Ethyl amine reacts with excess of methyl iodide to undergo exhaustive methylation, forming a quaternary ammonium salt. C_2H_5NH_2 + CH_3I C_2H_5NHCH_3 + HI C_2H_5NHCH_3 + CH_3I C_2H_5N(CH_3)_2 + HI C_2H_5N(CH_3)_2 + CH_3I [C_2H_5N(CH_3)_3]^+ I^- Since methyl iodide is in excess, the reaction does not stop at the secondary or tertiary amine stage but proceeds to the final quaternary ammonium salt. The major product obtained is ethyltrimethylammonium iodide. Answer: Ethyltrimethylammonium iodide
Related: Chemistry — Amines · All PYQ Banks