Aliphatic and aromatic primary amines undergo the carbylamine reaction, producing foul-smelling isocyanides, when heated with chloroform and ethanolic potassium hydroxide. This reaction, known as the carbylamine reaction or isocyanide test, is utilized as a test for primary amines.
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The carbylamine reaction involves the reaction of a primary amine with chloroform (CHCl₃) and an alcoholic KOH solution, resulting in the formation of an isocyanide (carbylamine) along with water and potassium chloride. This reaction is a test for primary amines, producing a foul-smelling isocyanide gas. The distinctive, pungent odor confirms the presence of a primary amine. The carbylamine test is a qualitative method for identifying primary amines, and its application is useful in organic chemistry laboratories for quick and simple amine detection based on the characteristic odor of the isocyanide produced.