The carbylamine reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the reaction of a primary amine with chloroform and a strong alkali to form an isocyanide. This reaction is important in the synthesis of many organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and plastics. Carbylamine Reaction Mechanism The analyte is heated with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and chloroform in this process. When a primary amine is involved, isocyanide ( carbylamine ) is produced, which has a horrible odor. The carbylamine reaction , commonly called Hofmann’s isocyanide test, is a chemical test used to identify primary amines. This reaction involves the reaction of primary amine with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and chloroform to form isocyanide. The carbylamine reaction can be used as a chemical test to check the presence of primary amines because it is exclusively effective for primary amines. The carbylamine reaction is also known as Hofmann's isocyanide test when used as a test. The test material is heated with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide in this procedure.
