Learn the carbylamine reaction mechanism, steps, and equation. Understand how the carbylamine test identifies primary amines with detailed explanations and lab tips. Learn how to synthesize isocyanides from primary amines using chloroform and a base in the carbylamine reaction . Also, find out how to use the carbylamine reaction as a test for primary amines, called Hofmann's test. Carbylamine reaction : The carbylamine reaction , also known as Hofmann's isocyanide test is a chemical test for the 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 ( carbylamine ) is formed which are foul smelling substances. 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.
