When C3H9N, which is an amine, reacts with the Hinsberg reagent, it undergoes a specific chemical transformation that helps us identify the type of amine present. The Hinsberg reagent, typically benzenesulfonyl chloride, is used to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary amines based on their solubility properties. In your case, the product formed is insoluble in alkali but soluble in ether, which provides valuable information about the nature of the amine.
Understanding the Reaction with Hinsberg Reagent
The Hinsberg test involves the reaction of an amine with benzenesulfonyl chloride. This reaction leads to the formation of sulfonamides, which have distinct solubility characteristics depending on the type of amine:
- Primary amines: React to form sulfonamides that are soluble in alkali.
- Secondary amines: Form sulfonamides that are generally insoluble in alkali.
- Tertiary amines: Do not react with the Hinsberg reagent, remaining unchanged.
Analyzing the Solubility Properties
In your scenario, the product is described as insoluble in alkali but soluble in ether. This solubility pattern indicates that the amine is likely a secondary amine. Here's why:
- **Insoluble in alkali:** This characteristic aligns with secondary amines, as their sulfonamide products do not dissolve in basic solutions.
- **Soluble in ether:** This suggests that the sulfonamide formed is non-polar enough to dissolve in organic solvents like ether, which is consistent with the structure of secondary sulfonamides.
Example to Illustrate the Concept
Let’s consider an example: if we take diethylamine (C4H11N), a secondary amine, and react it with the Hinsberg reagent, we would form diethylbenzenesulfonamide. This compound would be insoluble in aqueous alkali due to its structure, which does not interact favorably with water, but it would readily dissolve in ether, a non-polar solvent.
Conclusion on the Reaction Type
To summarize, the reaction of C3H9N with the Hinsberg reagent resulting in a product that is insoluble in alkali but soluble in ether strongly indicates that C3H9N is a secondary amine. This reaction is a valuable tool in organic chemistry for classifying amines and understanding their chemical behavior.