Question
Chemistry Question on Amines
Which of the following is the least basic amine?
A
Ethyl amine
B
Diethyl amine
C
Aniline
D
Benzyl amine
Answer
Aniline
Explanation
Solution
Basicity of amines can be explained on the basis of availability of electron density on N-atom for protonation. Because of the +I effect, alkyl group increases the electron density on N-atom in alkyl amines. However, aniline is less basic because phenyl group exerts −I effect, ie, it withdraws electrons.