Question

Rank the following bases in order of increasing strength: NH₃, CH₃NH₂, (CH₃)₂NH₂, (CH₃)₃N, (CH₃CH₂)₃N

a) NH₃ < CH₃NH₂ < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < (CH₃)₃N < (CH₃CH₂)₃N
b) (CH₃CH₂)₃N < (CH₃)₃N < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < CH₃NH₂ < NH₃
c) NH₃ < CH₃NH₂ < (CH₃)₃N < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < (CH₃CH₂)₃N
d) (CH₃CH₂)₃N < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < (CH₃)₃N < CH₃NH₂ < NH₃

Answer 1

The base strength increases in the order: NH₃ < CH₃NH₂ < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < (CH₃)₃N < (CH₃CH₂)₃N

Step-by-step explanation:

The strength of a base can be determined by its ability to accept a proton (H+) and form a conjugate acid. In general, the strength of a base increases with the number of electron-donating groups attached to the central nitrogen atom. Therefore, the base strength increases in the following order:

NH₃ < CH₃NH₂ < (CH₃)₂NH₂ < (CH₃)₃N < (CH₃CH₂)₃N