The reaction of amines with mineral acids to form ammonium salt shows that these are basic in nature. Amines have an unshared pair of electron on nitrogen atom due to which they behave as lewis base. Basicity of amines is related to their structure. Basic character of an amine depends upon the ease of formation of cation by accepting a proton from the acid. The more stable the cation is relative to the amine. more basic is the amine.
The correct order of basicity of amines in the gas phase is:
\(1° < 2° < 3°\)
In general, the basicity of amines increases with the degree of substitution of the nitrogen atom. Primary amines \((1°)\) have one alkyl group attached to the nitrogen, secondary amines \((2°)\) have two alkyl groups, and tertiary amines \((3°)\) have three alkyl groups.
The presence of alkyl groups in amines can donate electron density towards the nitrogen atom, making it less available to accept a proton. As a result, primary amines, having the least steric hindrance and the most accessible nitrogen lone pair, are generally more basic than secondary and tertiary amines.
Therefore, the correct order of basicity in the gas phase is \(1° < 2° < 3°\).
To determine which amine has the highest \(pK_b\) value, we need to compare their basicities. The higher the \(pK_b\) value, the weaker the base and the lower the basicity.
In general, the basicity of amines is influenced by various factors including electron-donating groups, steric hindrance, and resonance effects.
Among the given options:
\(C_2H_5NH_2\) (ethylamine) is a primary amine.
\(C_6H_5NHCH_3\) (methylbenzylamine) is a secondary amine.
\((C_2H_5)_2NH\) (diethylamine) is a secondary amine.
\(C_6H_5NH_2\) (aniline) is a primary amine.
In terms of basicity, primary amines are generally more basic than secondary amines. Additionally, electron-donating alkyl groups can increase basicity.
Based on this information, we can conclude that \(C_2H_5NH_2\) (ethylamine) has the highest \(pK_b\) value among the given options.
Which of the following amines does not give foul smell of isocyanide on heating with chloroform and ethanolic KOH ?