Chapter 29: Problem 72
Among the following, the strongest base is (a) \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{NH}_{2}\) (c) \(\mathrm{p}-\mathrm{NO}_{2}-\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{4} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{m}-\mathrm{NO}_{2}-\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{4} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Assess basic structure of each compound
Determine effect of electron withdrawing groups
Compare basicity of amine groups
Identify the strongest base
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Amines
- Primary amines: Characterized by one alkyl or aromatic group attached to the nitrogen (RNHâ‚‚).
- Secondary amines: Have two groups attached to nitrogen (Râ‚‚NH).
- Tertiary amines: Feature three carbon-containing groups bonded to the nitrogen (R₃N).
This capability contributes to their function in reactions and their importance in organic chemistry.
Electron-withdrawing groups
The presence of EWGs in a molecule can greatly decrease the basicity of amines. This occurs because the electron-withdrawing group diminishes the availability of the lone pair electrons on the nitrogen, which are necessary for accepting protons.
- Nitro groups are particularly strong EWGs, affecting molecular properties by resonance and inductive effects.
- These groups play a critical role in regulating chemical reactivity and stability, especially in aromatic compounds.
Resonance effects
For example, in para-nitroaniline, the nitro group can participate in resonance, drawing electron density from the ring and the amine, decreasing the basicity of the nitrogen:
- Resonance can result in the electron pair on nitrogen being spread out into the aromatic system, reducing its availability to accept a proton.
- This diminishes the molecule’s basicity due to less localized control over its electron cloud.
Basicity in organic compounds
- Substituent Effects: Electron-donating groups enhance basicity by increasing electron density on the nitrogen, while electron-withdrawing groups decrease it.
- Resonance and Inductive Effects: These can either stabilize extra electron density or remove it, altering the nitrogen’s proton affinity.
- Hybridization: Compounds with sp³ hybridized nitrogen are typically more basic than those with sp², due to increased availability of electrons.
Basicity plays a crucial role in many organic reactions, influencing molecular properties and reactivity.