Focusing specifically on aqueous solutions, which of the following specific nitrogenous bases exhibi — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question
Question
Focusing specifically on aqueous solutions, which of the following specific nitrogenous bases exhibit a basic strength greater than that of an uncharged ammonia ($NH_3$) molecule?
💡 Solution & Explanation
In aqueous solutions, standard aliphatic amines (primary, secondary, and tertiary methylamines) are all stronger bases than ammonia because the electron-donating inductive effect ($+I$) of the alkyl groups increases electron density on the nitrogen atom and stabilizes the conjugate ammonium cation. Aniline, however, is much weaker than ammonia because its lone pair is delocalized into the benzene ring via resonance ($-M$ effect), reducing its availability for protonation.