Question

What is the product obtained when ethylamine is heated with large excess of ethyl iodide?

• A. Tetraethyl ammonium iodide
• B. Triethyl amine
• C. Diethyl amine
• D. Ethyl methyl amine

Hint:

Excess alkyl halide leads to quaternary ammonium salt formation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall alkylation of amines.
Amines undergo successive alkylation with alkyl halides. In presence of excess alkyl halide, exhaustive alkylation occurs.
Step 2: Apply to ethylamine.
Ethylamine reacts repeatedly with ethyl iodide forming secondary, tertiary amines and finally a quaternary ammonium salt.
Step 3: Final product formation.
With large excess of ethyl iodide, the reaction proceeds to form tetraethyl ammonium iodide.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The final product is tetraethyl ammonium iodide.