In the Hofmann ammonolysis of alkyl halides to prepare amines, which of the following statements acc — Amines Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The reaction proceeds via an $S_N2$ pathway (A). The product primary amine has an electron-donating alkyl group that increases electron density on the nitrogen, making it a stronger nucleophile than the starting ammonia (B). To limit over-alkylation at the primary amine stage, ammonia must be present in a massive excess to outcompete the newly formed amine for the remaining alkyl halide (D). Excess alkyl halide drives the reaction forward to the quaternary salt, making (C) false.