Which of the following statements rigorously evaluate the fundamental principles determining the bas — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following statements rigorously evaluate the fundamental principles determining the basic strength of organic molecules?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Statement A is true; protonating the $=NH$ yields a highly symmetric, resonance-stabilized cation. Statement B is true; amide resonance ($-M$ of $C=O$) makes the lone pair unavailable. Statement C is false; higher s-character (33% in $sp^2$ pyridine vs 25% in $sp^3$ ethylamine) makes the nitrogen more electronegative, holding the lone pair tighter and rendering pyridine a WEAKER base than aliphatic amines. Statement D is true; electron-withdrawing groups strictly decrease basicity.