Why is direct nucleophilic substitution of an alkyl halide with NH₃not a very useful method for preparing primary amines? A)NH₃ is not a nucleophile. B)Elimination will occur. C)NH₃ is too bulky to act as a nucleophile. D)Polyalkylation of the amine will result in multiple products.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polyalkylation is a common issue when using ammonia or its derivatives for nucleophilic substitution reactions with alkyl halides. The initially formed primary amine can react further with more alkyl halide, leading to secondary and tertiary amines, and even quaternary ammonium salts, resulting in a mixture of products rather than a single primary amine.

Why Is Direct Nucleophilic Substitution of an Alkyl Halide with NH3

Why Is Direct Nucleophilic Substitution of an Alkyl Halide with NH₃