Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis

Rarely Tested

$$\text{Phthalimide} \xrightarrow{\text{KOH}} \text{Potassium Phthalimide} \xrightarrow{\text{R-X}} \text{N-Alkylphthalimide} \xrightarrow{\text{NaOH }(aq)} \text{Pure } 1^\circ \text{ Aliphatic Amine}$$

Concept: A highly selective method for preparing pure primary aliphatic amines without contamination from secondary or tertiary amines. The phthalimide anion acts as a bulky nucleophile that attacks an unhindered alkyl halide via a clean displacement path.

Notation:

  • $$\text{R-X}$$ = Primary or secondary alkyl halide; Aniline cannot be prepared via this route because aryl halides resist the mandatory $$S_N2$$ displacement step due to partial double-bond character.
Question 1

Match the major products obtained in the reactions given in List-I with the corresponding structures in List-II and choose the correct option.

image

Go back to topics

Join CAT 2026 course by 5-Time CAT 100%iler

Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.