Carbylamine Reaction (Isocyanide Test) (R-NH₂ + CHCl₃ + 3KOH → R-NC (isocyanide) + 3KCl + 3H₂O)

jee-mainjee-advancedneet-ug

R-NH₂ + CHCl₃ + 3KOH → R-NC (isocyanide) + 3KCl + 3H₂O

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
KOHStrong base (alcoholic)
R-NCIsocyanide (carbylamine) — foul smelling
CHCl₃Chloroform
R-NH₂Primary amine (1° only)

When to use this

Test for primary amines only. The foul smell of isocyanide is diagnostic. Secondary and tertiary amines do not respond. Also known as isocyanide test.