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Consider ammonia (I) and water (II). Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. I is more basic and more nucleophilic than II.
B. I is less basic and less nucleophilic than II.
C. I is more basic but less nucleophilic than II.
D. I is less basic but more nucleophilic than II.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Ammonia is more basic and more nucleophilic than water, as it is more willing to donate its lone pair of electrons, making statement A true in the comparison of basicity and nucleophilicity between ammonia (I) and water (II).correct answer is A. I is more basic and more nucleophilic than II.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about comparing the basicity and nucleophilicity of ammonia (I) and water (II). Based on the properties of nitrogen in ammonia and oxygen in water, ammonia is known to be more willing to donate its lone pair of electrons, making it a stronger base than water. Ammonia is also a better nucleophile than water because its nitrogen atom is less electronegative, making it more inclined to donate its lone pair to a proton or other electrophile. This makes statement A true: I is more basic and more nucleophilic than II.

Moreover, considering the solubility of aniline (a compound similar to ammonia) in water and its reaction, ammonia acts as a base by accepting a proton due to the lone pair of electrons on its nitrogen atom. Additionally, the reaction of ammonia with water produces hydroxide ions which are strong bases, emphasizing the basic character of ammonia and its capacity to act as a nucleophile. correct answer is A. I is more basic and more nucleophilic than II.

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