Question detail
In which scenario would ammonia be a stronger base than an amine?
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. In the presence of strong acids
- B. In polar solvents
- C. When steric hindrance is significant
- D. In non-polar solvents
Answer
When steric hindrance is significant
Explanation
Ammonia can be a stronger base than amines in situations where steric hindrance from bulky alkyl groups in amines limits the accessibility of the nitrogen lone pair for protonation. This highlights the importance of molecular structure in determining basicity.
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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