Question detail

What effect do alkyl groups have on 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

They increase basicity by donating electron density

Alkyl groups increase the basicity of amines by donating electron density to the nitrogen atom, making the lone pair more available for protonation.

Misunderstanding Nitrogen's Role

Students often confuse the lone pair on nitrogen in amines as being involved in bonding rather than its role in basicity.

Remember that the lone pair on nitrogen is what allows amines to accept protons (H+), which is the basis for their basicity.

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