Question

Ephedrine is a secondary amine. It is widely used in cold and allergy conditions in the form of its hydrochloride but not as such because

• A. The amine itself has unpleasant smell, while its salt is odourless
• B. The amine is insoluble in water, while the salt is soluble in water
• C. The amine is unstable and easily oxidised by air, while the salt is resistant to atmospheric oxidation
• D. Of all the above facts

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Of all the above facts

Nearly all amines have unpleasant odour, while their salts are odourless, Amines having more than 6 carbon atoms are insoluble in water while their salts are soluble in water. hence the latter can be easily converted into syrup. Amines are susceptible to oxidation because of presence of lone pair of electrons on N.