What is the Difference Between Aniline and N-Methylaniline?

The key difference between aniline and N-methylaniline is their amine type and chemical structure. Aniline is a primary aromatic amine with the chemical formula C6H5NH2, while N-methylaniline is a secondary amine with the chemical formula C7H6NH2.

Here are some key differences between aniline and N-methylaniline:

• Aniline has a benzene ring with one -NH2 group, while N-methylaniline has a -NHNH2 group attached to a benzene ring.
• Aniline gives a positive carbylamine test, where it reacts with ethanol, chloroform, and potassium hydroxide to produce foul-smelling isocyanides or carbylamines. In contrast, N-methylaniline does not give a positive carbylamine test because it is a secondary amine.
• Another way to distinguish between aniline and N-methylaniline is by the isocyanide test. When reacted with chloroform and potassium hydroxide, aniline gives off an offensive smell of phenyl isocyanide, while N-methylaniline does not.

In summary, aniline and N-methylaniline differ in their amine type, chemical structure, and reaction with various chemical tests. While aniline is a primary aromatic amine, N-methylaniline is a secondary amine.

Comparative Table: Aniline vs N-Methylaniline

The key difference between aniline and N-methylaniline is that aniline is a primary aromatic amine, whereas N-methylaniline is a secondary amine. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

Aniline and N-methylaniline can be distinguished using the Carbylamine test. Primary amines, on heating with chloroform and ethanolic potassium hydroxide, form foul-smelling isocyanides or carbylamines. Aniline, being an aromatic primary amine, gives a positive carbylamine test, whereas N-methylaniline, being a secondary amine, does not.