Question:

An organic amine compound 'X' reacts smoothly with Hinsberg's reagent (Benzenesulfonyl chloride) to form a solid precipitate. This precipitate remains completely insoluble when treated with an aqueous sodium hydroxide (\( \text{NaOH} \)) solution. Classify the amine 'X'.

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Keep this summary of the Hinsberg test outcomes memorized:
  • Primary amine = Reacts, product dissolves in alkali.
  • Secondary amine = Reacts, product remains insoluble in alkali.
  • Tertiary amine = Does not react with the reagent at all.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • Primary Amine
  • Secondary Amine
  • Tertiary Amine
  • Quaternary Ammonium Salt
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The Hinsberg Test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary amines based on how they react with benzenesulfonyl chloride (\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{SO}_2\text{Cl} \)) and whether the resulting products dissolve in an alkaline solution.

Step 1:
Analyze how each type of amine behaves during the test.
  • Primary Amines: React to form a sulfonamide that retains a highly acidic hydrogen atom on its nitrogen. This acidic hydrogen allows the product to dissolve completely in strong bases like \( \text{NaOH} \).
  • Secondary Amines: React with the reagent to form an \( N,N \)-dialkylbenzenesulfonamide product. Because the nitrogen has no remaining acidic hydrogen atoms, this product is completely insoluble in alkali.
  • Tertiary Amines: Lack any replaceable hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen and do not react with the test reagent under standard conditions.


Step 2:
Match the compound's behavior to the correct category.
Because compound 'X' reacts with the reagent but forms a precipitate that does not dissolve in \( \text{NaOH} \), it matches the characteristic behavior of a Secondary Amine.
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