Describe a method for the identification of primary, secondary and tertiary amines. Also, write chemical equations of the reactions involved.

Hinsberg’s test is used to identify and distinguish primary, secondary and tertiary amines. In this test, the amines react with Hinsberg’s reagent, benzene sulphonyl chloride. Different types of amines react differently with the Hinsberg’s reagent. Primary amines react with benzene sulphonyl chloride to form N -alkyl benzene sulphonyl amide which is soluble in alkali. C 6 H 5 SO 2 Cl Benzene sulphonyl chloride + H 2 N - C 3 H 7 Propanamine → - HCl C 6 H 5 SO 2 NHC 3 H 7 N - Propylbenzene sulphonamide . Due to the presence of a strong electron-withdrawing sulphonyl group in the sulphonamide, the H -atom attached to nitrogen can be easily released as a proton. Therefore, it is acidic and dissolves in an alkali. Secondary amines react with Hinsberg’s reagent to give a sulphonamide which is insoluble in alkali. C 6 H 5 SO 2 Cl Benzene sulphonyl chloride + HN ( CH 3 ) 2 Dimethylamine → - HCl C 6 H 5 SO 2 N ( CH 3 ) 2 N , N - Dimethylbenzene sulphonamide . There is no H -atom attached to the N -atom in the sulphonamide. Therefore, it is not acidic and is insoluble in an alkali. Tertiary amines do not react with Hinsberg’s reagent.