Question:

Among the following, which is the strongest base?

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Amines with nitrogen directly attached to benzene are less basic due to resonance. Benzylamine is more basic because \(-NH_2\) is not directly attached to the ring.
Updated On: Jun 29, 2026
  • \(p\)-Nitroaniline
  • Benzylamine
  • \(p\)-Toluidine
  • Aniline
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Basic strength of amines depends on the availability of the lone pair of electrons on nitrogen. If the lone pair is easily available for donation, the compound is more basic. If the lone pair is involved in resonance, basicity decreases.

Step 1: Compare aniline-type compounds.
In aniline, the lone pair on nitrogen is delocalised into the benzene ring by resonance. \[ C_6H_5NH_2 \] Because the lone pair is less available for protonation, aniline is less basic than aliphatic amines.

Step 2: Effect of substituents on aniline.
In \(p\)-nitroaniline, the \(-NO_2\) group is strongly electron withdrawing. It decreases electron density on nitrogen. So it is very weakly basic. \[ -NO_2 \Rightarrow -I,\;-R \] In \(p\)-toluidine, the \(-CH_3\) group is electron releasing. It increases basicity compared with aniline, but the nitrogen lone pair is still involved in resonance.

Step 3: Compare benzylamine.
Benzylamine is: \[ C_6H_5CH_2NH_2 \] Here, the \(-NH_2\) group is not directly attached to the benzene ring. The lone pair on nitrogen is not delocalised into the ring. Therefore, the lone pair is more available for protonation. So benzylamine is the strongest base among the given options. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Benzylamine}} \]
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