question_answer

Primary amines can be alkylated to form secondary amines but tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium salts are also obtained as the side products. Can you suggest a way to convert primary amine to secondary amine only?

Answer:

                This can be achieved by taking primary amine in excess and alkyl halide in limited amount. As a result, only one H atom in \[N{{H}_{2}}\] group will be replaced by alkyl group (R) to form a secondary amine. The reaction will not proceed further.