Question

What is the type of amine obtained from the ammonolysis of alkyl halides?

(a) Primary

(b) Primary and secondary

(c) Secondary and tertiary

(d) Primary, secondary and tertiary

I have been asked this question in an internship interview.

My question is taken from Preparation of Amines in section Amines of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Secondary and tertiary

The explanation is: When an alcoholic solution of ammonia is heated with alkyl halides, a mixture of all three types of amines, i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary amines are formed along with a quaternary ammonium salt.