BRAINCAKESynthesis of Amines
Aliphatic amines can be prepared by gently warming halogenoalkanes with excess ammonia in an ethanol solvent. Ammonia acts as a nucleophile and an amine group is substituted for the halogen atom. However, the product is a primary amine and can also act as a nucleophile. This further reacts with the halogenoalkane to form a secondary amine, which also reacts and forms a tertiary amine. Further substitution is minimised by adding an excess of ammonia.
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Key terms in this lesson
- nucleophile
- An atom or group of atoms that can donate a pair of electrons to form a new covalent bond.
More in Nitrogen Compounds
- Amines
- Properties of Amines
- Basicity of Amines
- Reactions of Amines as Bases
- Reactions of Amines as Nucleophiles
- Economic Importance of Amines
All 7 lessons in Nitrogen Compounds · All OCR A-level Organic Chemistry topics