Carbylamine reaction

The Carbylamine reaction is a chemical test for detection of primary amines. In this reaction, the analyte is heated with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and chloroform. If a primary amine is present, the isocyanide is formed.

Additional recommended knowledge

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Daily Visual Balance Check

For example, the reaction with ethylamine:

The reaction with aniline:

The carbylamine test does not give a positive reaction with secondary and tertiary amines.

References

Carbylamine reaction