Problem 9 - Olympiad

Which of the following statements about the reaction of an alkyl halide with ammonia is correct?

A. It results in the formation of a primary amineB. It results in the formation of a secondary amineC. It results in the formation of a tertiary amineD. It results in the formation of a quaternary ammonium salt

Correct: A

The reaction of an alkyl halide with ammonia (NH3) can lead to the formation of a primary amine if the reaction is carried out under controlled conditions. However, due to the basic nature of the amine products, they can further react with additional alkyl halide, leading to the formation of secondary and tertiary amines. But the initial and primary product is indeed a primary amine.