Which of the following is a general representation of a secondary amine?

• A. $ROH$
• B. $RN{H}_2$
• C. $RNHR\text{'}$
• D. $RN{R}_2$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the classification of amines based on the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom. A primary amine has one alkyl/aryl group attached to nitrogen, a secondary amine has two, and a tertiary amine has three.
2. Step 2: Identify the general formula for a primary amine, which is \(R\text{NH}_2\), where \(R\) is an alkyl or aryl group and \(\text{NH}_2\) indicates two hydrogens attached to nitrogen.
3. Step 3: For a secondary amine, the nitrogen atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups and one hydrogen. This can be represented as \(R\text{NHR}'\), where \(R\) and \(R'\) are alkyl or aryl groups (which may be the same or different), and there is one hydrogen attached to nitrogen.
4. Step 4: Compare the given options to this general formula. The correct representation of a secondary amine must show two different or identical \(R\) groups attached to nitrogen along with one hydrogen.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer matches the formula \(R\text{NHR}'\), distinguishing it from primary amines (\(R\text{NH}_2\)) and tertiary amines (\(R_3\text{N}\)).