Alcoholic Ammonia vs Aqueous for Treating Haloalkanes

In summary, when treating haloalkanes to form primary, secondary, or tertiary amines, alcoholic ammonia is preferred over ammonia or aqueous ammonia. This is because water is a good nucleophile and using alcohol solvents limits the formation of undesired alcohols. Additionally, haloalkanes do not mix well with water and alcohol is a better solvent for them. Ammonia can also cause reactions in solution when trapped in a solvent, making it a suitable choice for this process. It is recommended to read up on protic polar solvents, particularly in the context of SN2 and elimination reactions, for a better understanding of this topic.
  • #1
ambuj123
65
0
Why do we use alcoholic Ammonia not Ammonia only or aqueous ammonia while using it to treat haloalkanes to form primary,secondary or tertiary amines.
same for treatment of haloalkanes with alcoholic silver cyanide to form alkyl iso cyanide.why don't we use aqueos AgCN
Thanx
 
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  • #2
Probably because water is a pretty good nucleophile in its own right. Using alcohol solvents limits the amount of undesired alcohol formation.
 
  • #3
I agree with Movies, and want to add something more; haloalkanes don't like water at all, it cannot be dissolved in it. Alcohol is a good solvent to solvatize haloalkanes, providing enough particles to react with each other.

Ammonia is a base, and if you trap it in a solvent, it can "live" for a prolonged period, sometimes enough to cause something in the solution.
 
  • #4
chem tr seems to have the main point, read up on protic polar solvents, this subject is probably under the SN2, elimination reaction introduction chapter.
 
  • #5
THanx

Thank you for the help
 

FAQ: Alcoholic Ammonia vs Aqueous for Treating Haloalkanes

What is the difference between alcoholic ammonia and aqueous for treating haloalkanes?

Alcoholic ammonia and aqueous are both commonly used for treating haloalkanes, but they differ in their chemical properties. Alcoholic ammonia is a mixture of ammonia gas and ethanol, while aqueous ammonia is a solution of ammonia gas dissolved in water. In terms of reactivity, alcoholic ammonia is more reactive and can be used for more complex reactions, while aqueous ammonia is less reactive and is typically used for simpler reactions.

Which is more effective for treating haloalkanes, alcoholic ammonia or aqueous?

The effectiveness of alcoholic ammonia and aqueous for treating haloalkanes depends on the specific reaction being carried out. In general, alcoholic ammonia is more effective for more complex reactions, while aqueous ammonia is more effective for simpler reactions. It is important to carefully consider the specific reaction and the desired outcome when choosing between the two substances.

Are there any safety concerns when using alcoholic ammonia or aqueous for treating haloalkanes?

Both alcoholic ammonia and aqueous can be hazardous to handle, as they are corrosive and can release toxic fumes. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area, should be taken when using these substances. Additionally, proper disposal methods should be followed to ensure the safety of both the user and the environment.

Can alcoholic ammonia and aqueous be used interchangeably for treating haloalkanes?

While alcoholic ammonia and aqueous are both commonly used for treating haloalkanes, they are not interchangeable. As mentioned earlier, they have different chemical properties and reactivity levels, so they may produce different results when used in the same reaction. It is important to carefully consider the specific reaction and the desired outcome when choosing between the two substances.

Is there a cost difference between using alcoholic ammonia and aqueous for treating haloalkanes?

The cost of alcoholic ammonia and aqueous may vary depending on the supplier, but in general, alcoholic ammonia tends to be more expensive than aqueous. This is due to the additional process of mixing ammonia gas with ethanol to create alcoholic ammonia. However, the cost difference may be negligible for small-scale reactions, and the choice should ultimately be based on the specific reaction and desired outcome.

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