What is the main product when an amine reacts with an alkyl halide?

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Q: What is the main product when an amine reacts with an alkyl halide?

Solution: The main product is a quaternary ammonium salt when an amine reacts with an alkyl halide, as the amine can be further alkylated.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what an amine is. An amine is a compound that contains a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms or carbon atoms.
Step 2: Understand what an alkyl halide is. An alkyl halide is a compound that contains a carbon chain (alkyl group) bonded to a halogen atom (like chlorine, bromine, or iodine).
Step 3: When an amine reacts with an alkyl halide, the nitrogen atom in the amine can bond with the carbon atom of the alkyl halide.
Step 4: This reaction forms a new compound called an alkylammonium salt, where the nitrogen atom now has four bonds (three to hydrogen or carbon and one to the alkyl group).
Step 5: If there are still available hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen, the alkylammonium salt can react with more alkyl halide to form a quaternary ammonium salt.
Step 6: A quaternary ammonium salt has a nitrogen atom bonded to four carbon groups and carries a positive charge.