Question

What is Hinsberg reagent?

Answer 1

Hint: An attempt to this question can be made by determining the composition of Hinsberg reagent. It is important to know that the reagent is used to detect the degree of amine present in the solution. Based on the reaction mechanism determine the structure of compound present in Hinsberg reagent and thus identify the name of the compound in accordance with IUPAC nomenclature.

Complete answer:
Hinsberg reagent is an alternate name given for the compound, benzene sulfonyl chloride. This name is given for its role in the Hinsberg test.
The Hinsberg test is mainly used for the detection and distinction of primary, secondary and tertiary amines in a given solution.
The reagent comes under the class of organosulfur compounds in the field of organic chemistry.
The structure of the compound is given below:

Hinsberg reagent is a colorless oil type of substance. It is viscous in nature and soluble in organic solvents.
This reaction undergoes reactions with organic compounds that contain O - H and N - H bonds that are considered to be reactive in nature.
 It is used for the preparation of sulfonamides and sulfonamide esters. Sulfonamides are formed by the reaction of reagents with amines and sulfonamide esters with alcohols.

Note:
It is important to know the reason why the Hinsberg reagent is soluble in only organic solvents. Benzene sulfonyl chloride does not contain replaceable protons. Thus, it cannot form bonds with polar solvents like water. On the other hand, in aprotic solvents, it can dissolve easily without the supply of energy.