The iodoform test is used to detect the presence of a methyl ketone group (CH3-CO-) or a group that can be oxidised to it, such as CH3-CH(OH)-. When such a compound is warmed with iodine and sodium hydroxide (or sodium hypoiodite), it gives a yellow precipitate of iodoform (CHI3) with a characteristic smell. Compounds like acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol and isopropanol give a positive iodoform test.

Amines are derivatives of ammonia in which one, two or three hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. They are classified as: primary (1 degree) amine, in which one hydrogen of ammonia is replaced (e.g. CH3NH2, methylamine); secondary (2 degree) amine, in which two hydrogens are replaced (e.g. (CH3)2NH, dimethylamine); and tertiary (3 degree) amine, in which all three hydrogens are replaced (e.g. (CH3)3N, trimethylamine).

The Hinsberg test uses Hinsberg's reagent (benzenesulphonyl chloride, C6H5SO2Cl). A primary amine reacts to form a sulphonamide that is soluble in alkali (because the N-H hydrogen is acidic). A secondary amine forms a sulphonamide that is insoluble in alkali (it has no N-H hydrogen left to ionise). A tertiary amine does not react at all with the reagent (it has no replaceable hydrogen on nitrogen). Thus the three classes of amine are distinguished by their behaviour with Hinsberg's reagent.