Question detail
What role does the nitrogen lone pair play in the basicity of amines?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Amines (A-level only)
Question
- A. It forms a covalent bond with hydrogen
- B. It donates electrons to form a bond with protons
- C. It stabilizes the amine structure
- D. It decreases the reactivity of amines
Answer
It donates electrons to form a bond with protons
Explanation
The nitrogen lone pair in amines acts as a Lewis base, donating electrons to form a bond with protons. This is the fundamental mechanism by which amines exhibit basicity, distinguishing them from other compounds that do not have a lone pair available for protonation.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Basicity
Students often confuse the basicity of amines with that of ammonia, thinking they are identical.
Amines have varying basicity depending on their structure and substituents, while ammonia has a consistent basicity. Understand that the presence of alkyl groups in amines can increase their basicity compared to ammonia.
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