Question

Given below are two statements
Assertion (A): Ethylamine is stronger base than ammonia
Reason (R): It is due to $-$I effect of ethyl group
The correct answer is

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is not correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is incorrect.
• D. A is incorrect but R is correct.

Hint:

Remember: Alkyl groups donate electrons via +I effect, increasing basicity of amines.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To address the provided statements about the basicity of ethylamine compared to ammonia, we need to consider both the assertion and the reason:

Assertion (A):

Ethylamine is indeed a stronger base than ammonia. This is because the ethyl group in ethylamine has an electron-donating nature, which increases the electron density on the nitrogen atom. This increased electron density makes it easier for ethylamine to donate a pair of electrons, enhancing its basicity compared to ammonia.

Reason (R):

The statement suggests that the $-$I effect (inductive effect) of the ethyl group is responsible for the increased basicity. However, this is incorrect because the ethyl group actually shows a $+$I effect, meaning it donates electrons rather than withdrawing them. The positive inductive effect contributes to the electron-donating property, strengthening the base.

Based on this, while the assertion about ethylamine's basicity is correct, the reason provided is incorrect. The increased basicity is due to the $+$I effect of the ethyl group rather than the $-$I effect.

Therefore, the correct answer is: A is correct but R is incorrect.