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Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 87c

Classify each amine reaction as acid–base or condensation and list its products.
c. CH3NH2 + H2SO4

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Identify the reactants: Methylamine \((\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2)\) and sulfuric acid \((\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4)\).
Recognize that methylamine is a base and sulfuric acid is a strong acid.
Determine the type of reaction: This is an acid-base reaction because it involves a proton transfer from the acid to the base.
Predict the products: The base \((\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2)\) will accept a proton \((\text{H}^+)\) from the acid \((\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4)\), forming the conjugate acid \((\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_3^+)\) and the conjugate base \((\text{HSO}_4^-)\).
Write the balanced chemical equation: \(\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{NH}_3^+ + \text{HSO}_4^-\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In this context, an amine like CH3NH2 can act as a base, accepting a proton from an acid such as H2SO4. The products typically include a conjugate acid of the base and a conjugate base of the acid, illustrating the fundamental principle of proton transfer.
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Condensation Reactions

Condensation reactions occur when two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, often releasing a small molecule like water in the process. In the case of amines, these reactions can involve the formation of amides or other derivatives, where the amine reacts with a carbonyl compound. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying the nature of the reaction and its products.
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Products of Reactions

The products of a chemical reaction are the substances formed as a result of the reaction. In the case of the reaction between CH3NH2 and H2SO4, the expected products would include the protonated form of the amine (CH3NH3+) and the bisulfate ion (HSO4-). Identifying the products is essential for classifying the reaction type and understanding its implications in organic chemistry.
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