Question

Nicotine is a toxic substance present in tobacco leaves. There are two lone pairs in the structure of nicotine. In general, localized lone pairs are much more reactive than delocalized lone pairs. With this information in mind, do you expect both lone pairs in nicotine to be reactive?

A. Both lone pairs are delocalized and, therefore, both are expected to have the same reactivity.
B.Lone pair in pyrrolidine ring is localized and, therefore, is expected to be more reactive.
C. Both lone pairs are localized and, therefore, both are expected to be reactive.
D. Lone pair in pyridine ring is localized and, therefore, is expected to be more reactive.

Answer 1

B.Lone pair in pyrrolidine ring is localized and, therefore, is expected to be more reactive.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two nitrogen atoms bearing lone pairs of electrons in the structure of nicotine as shown in the image attached.

One nitrogen atom is found in the pyrrolidine ring. The lone pair on this nitrogen atom is localized hence it is more reactive than the lone pair of electrons found on the nitrogen atom in the pyridine ring which is delocalized a shown in the image attached to this answer.