When a pure primary aliphatic amine (e.g., propan-1-amine) is treated with in-situ generated nitrous — Amines Chemistry Question
Question
When a pure primary aliphatic amine (e.g., propan-1-amine) is treated with in-situ generated nitrous acid ($NaNO_2 + HCl$), what is the dominant, observable reaction pathway and resulting major outcome?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Primary aliphatic amines react with $HNO_2$ to form heavily unstable aliphatic diazonium salts. These salts instantly collapse even at sub-zero temperatures, expelling highly stable nitrogen gas ($N_2$) and generating reactive carbocations, which then aggressively react with water to form a complex mixture primarily composed of alcohols.
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