ammonolysis

Question

Ammonolysis of alkyl halides produces:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

**Ammonolysis** involves the nucleophilic attack of ammonia on an alkyl halide.
$NH_3 + R-X 	o R-NH_2 + HX$
- However, the resulting primary amine ($R-NH_2$) is itself a nucleophile and is more reactive than ammonia. It continues to react with remaining alkyl halide:
- $R-NH_2 + R-X 	o R_2NH$
- $R_2NH + R-X 	o R_3N$
- $R_3N + R-X 	o [R_4N]^+X^-$ (Quaternary ammonium salt)
- This 'over-alkylation' leads to a **mixture of products**, making this a poor method for preparing pure primary amines unless a massive excess of ammonia is used.

Rank Guru

ammonolysis

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