The Carbylamine reaction, also known as the isocyanide test or Hofmann isocyanide synthesis, is an important reaction in organic chemistry used to synthesize isocyanides. In this reaction, a primary amine reacts with chloroform in the presence of a strong base like potassium hydroxide (KOH), leading to the formation of an isocyanide (RNC) as the major product. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
\(RNH_2+CHCl_3+3KOH→RNC+3KCl+3H_2O\)
The products are isocyanide (RNC), potassium chloride (KCl), and water (H2O). The unique and characteristic foul smell of isocyanides makes this reaction a useful qualitative test for primary amines; however, it only works with aliphatic primary amines, not aromatic amines or secondary/tertiary amines.
In conclusion, among the given options, the major product of the Carbylamine reaction is isocyanide.
The Carbylamine reaction involves the reaction of a primary amine (R-NH₂) with chloroform (CHCl₃) in the presence of a strong base (usually KOH). The reaction leads to the formation of an isocyanide (also known as isocyanate or carbylamine).
In this reaction:
Thus, the major product is isocyanide (Option B).

| List I | List II | ||
| A. | CH3CH2NH2 | I. | N,N-Dimethylamiline |
| B. | ![]() | II. | Ethylamine |
| C. | C6H5NH2 | III. | Aniline |
| D. | C6H5N(CH3)2 | IV. | Trimethylamine |