Provide an example of the amine and phthalimide in the Gabriel synthesis.

An example of the amine and phthalimide in the Gabriel synthesis is the formation of 1-aminobutane.

The Gabriel synthesis is a method for the preparation of primary amines from potassium phthalimide and alkyl halides. In this synthesis, the phthalimide acts as a nitrogen source and the alkyl halide provides the alkyl group. The reaction proceeds in two steps: the first step involves the formation of the phthalimide salt, and the second step involves the displacement of the phthalimide group by the alkyl halide.

For example, to prepare 1-aminobutane using the Gabriel synthesis, potassium phthalimide is first reacted with potassium hydroxide to form the phthalimide salt. This salt is then reacted with 1-bromobutane to form the desired product. The reaction is typically carried out in a polar solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

The Gabriel synthesis is a useful method for the preparation of primary amines, particularly those that are difficult to prepare using other methods. However, it does have some limitations, such as the requirement for a primary alkyl halide and the potential for side reactions such as the formation of secondary and tertiary amines. Nonetheless, it remains an important tool in the synthetic chemist's toolbox.