MCQMediumJEE 2023Amines (Classification & Properties)

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

An organic compound [A] (C4H11NC_4H_{11}N) shows optical activity and gives N2N_2 gas on treatment with HNO2HNO_2. The compound [A] reacts with PhSO2ClPhSO_2Cl producing a compound which is soluble in KOH. The structure of A is:

  • A
    Option 1 shows a straight-chain four-carbon primary amine structure ending with NH2, corresponding to butan-1-amine.
  • B
    Option 2 shows a tertiary amine with nitrogen bonded to three alkyl groups including two methyl groups.
  • C
    Option 3 shows a secondary amine structure with one hydrogen and one methyl substituent on nitrogen attached to a branched alkyl group.
  • D
    Branched primary amine structure with NH2 attached to a carbon chain and a methyl branch, representing sec-butylamine.

Answer

Correct answer:D

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The compound has molecular formula C4H11NC_4H_{11}N, shows optical activity, gives N2N_2 with HNO2HNO_2, and with Hinsberg reagent PhSO2ClPhSO_2Cl forms a product soluble in KOH.

Find: The correct structure of A.

Amines that react with HNO2HNO_2 to evolve N2N_2 are primary aliphatic amines. Also, formation of a sulfonamide soluble in KOH with Hinsberg reagent confirms that the amine is primary.

Among the given structures, the compound must therefore be a primary amine and must also show optical activity. A straight-chain primary amine is not optically active, but the branched primary amine in option D has a chiral carbon atom.

Therefore, the correct option is D.

Reaction-Based Elimination

Given:

  • C4H11NC_4H_{11}N
  • Reaction with HNO2HNO_2 gives N2N_2
  • Reaction with PhSO2ClPhSO_2Cl gives a product soluble in KOH
  • The compound shows optical activity

Find: Which option satisfies all conditions.

From the reaction with HNO2HNO_2:

RNH2+HNO2ROH+N2+H2O\text{RNH}_2 + \text{HNO}_2 \rightarrow \text{ROH} + \text{N}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}

This identifies A as a primary aliphatic amine.

From the Hinsberg test, a primary amine forms a sulfonamide containing an acidic hydrogen, so it dissolves in KOH. Hence the structure must again be a primary amine.

Now apply the condition of optical activity. The compound must contain a chiral carbon attached to four different groups. Among the given options, only option D satisfies both the primary amine test and chirality requirement.

Therefore, the structure of A is option D.

Common mistakes

  • Treating any amine that reacts with Hinsberg reagent as primary is incorrect. The key point is that the product must be soluble in KOH, which specifically supports a primary amine.

  • Ignoring the condition of optical activity leads to selecting an achiral primary amine. After identifying a primary amine, also check for a chiral carbon atom.

  • Using only the molecular formula C4H11NC_4H_{11}N is insufficient because several amine isomers are possible. The reaction with HNO2HNO_2 and the Hinsberg test must both be used to narrow the structure.

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