Which statement is/are true for Gabriel Phthalamide synthesis?

A. It is used for the preparation of primary and secondary amines

B. It is only used for the preparation of primary amines

C. Aromatic primary amines cannot be prepared by this method

D. Only tertiary amines can be prepared

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

B, C only

The correct answer is option 3. B, C only.

Statement A: It is used for the preparation of primary and secondary amines: Gabriel Phthalimide synthesis is indeed used for the preparation of primary amines by reacting phthalimide with an alkyl halide to form N-alkylphthalimide, followed by hydrolysis to yield the primary amine. But cannot produce secondary amines. So, statement A is incorrect.

Statement B: It is only used for the preparation of primary amines: Gabriel Phthalimide synthesis is primarily used for the preparation of primary amines. It does not directly produce secondary or tertiary amines. Therefore, statement B is true.

Statement C:  Aromatic primary amines cannot be prepared by this method: Aromatic primary amines cannot be prepared by the Gabriel synthesis because the reaction involves the use of alkyl halides, which typically react with nucleophiles via an SN2 mechanism. Aromatic halides are generally less reactive in SN2 reactions compared to alkyl halides, making them unsuitable for this synthesis. Therefore, statement C is true.

Statement D: Only tertiary amines can be prepared: The Gabriel synthesis is not suitable for the preparation of tertiary amines. It primarily yields primary amines through the reaction of N-alkylphthalimide intermediates with strong nucleophiles. Therefore, statement D is incorrect.

So, the correct statements are B and C, leading to option 3.