The strength of a base is determined by the electron-donating ability of the group attached to the nitrogen atom. In amines:
- The stronger the electron-donating group, the stronger the base.
- Alkyl groups (such as \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5 \)) are electron-donating, increasing the electron density on nitrogen and making it a stronger base.
Thus, \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{NH}_2 \) (ethylamine) is the strongest base, as the ethyl group is more electron-donating compared to the phenyl group in \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{NH}_2 \) (aniline).