Question

Alkylamines are more basic than ammonia. Explain why?

Hint:

Greater the +I effect of substituents attached to nitrogen, greater is the basic strength of amines.

Answer 1

Step 1: Basicity depends on the availability of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom to accept a proton.
Step 2: Alkyl groups (\(-\text{R}\)) exhibit a +I (electron-donating) inductive effect, which pushes electron density towards the nitrogen atom.
Step 3: Increased electron density on nitrogen makes the lone pair more available for protonation, thereby increasing basicity.
Step 4: In ammonia, there is no alkyl group attached to nitrogen, so it lacks this electron-donating effect.
Step 5: Hence, alkylamines are more basic than ammonia.