Final answer:
The stronger base between CH3NH2 and (CH3)2NH is (CH3)2NH due to its larger Kb value. The stronger acid between (CH3)2NH2+ and CH3NH3+ is CH3NH3+ based on the higher Ka value. In an acid-base reaction like CH3CH2CO2H and CN-, the stronger acid is CH3CH2CO2H, and the stronger base is CN-.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strength of a base or acid can often be determined by their respective equilibrium constants (Kb for bases and Ka for acids). A stronger base will typically have a higher Kb value, indicating a greater tendency to accept a proton. In the comparison between CH3NH2 (methylamine) and (CH3)2NH (dimethylamine), the stronger base is (CH3)2NH due to its larger Kb value. Conversely, a stronger acid will have a higher Ka value, indicating a greater tendency to donate a proton. In this case, CH3NH3+ (the conjugate acid of methylamine) is the stronger acid based on its higher Ka value, compared to (CH3)2NH2+ (the conjugate acid of dimethylamine).
In the context of acid-base reactions, like the reaction between CH3CH2CO2H and CN-, we define the stronger acid and base in the reaction as those that are better at donating and accepting protons, respectively. Here, CH3CH2CO2H acts as the stronger acid, and CN- acts as the stronger base, as indicated by their behavior in the reaction.