What is Hinsberg reagent?
Benzenesulphonyl chloride or, C6H5SOCl is commonly known as Hinsberg’s reagent. Hinsberg’s reagent can be used to distinguish primary, secondary and tertiary amines.
Benzenesulphonyl chloride reacts with primary amine to yield a product that is soluble in alkali.
Benzenesulphonyl chloride reacts with secondary amine to yield a product that is insoluble in alkali whereas Benzenesulphonyl chloride does not react with the tertiary amine.