Question:

The correct order of decreasing basic strength in aqueous solution of the following is :

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For ethyl amines in water the measured order is 2° > 3° > 1°.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3N}$ > $\mathrm{C_2H_5NH_2}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2NH}$
  • $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2NH}$ > $\mathrm{C_2H_5NH_2}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3N}$
  • $\mathrm{C_2H_5NH_2}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2NH}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3N}$
  • $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2NH}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3N}$ > $\mathrm{C_2H_5NH_2}$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: In water, the strength of an amine as a base is not decided by one single reason. Two main things fight against each other, how much the ethyl groups push electrons onto the nitrogen, and how well water can hold the protonated amine steady with hydrogen bonds.

Step 1: The two opposite effects
More ethyl groups push more electron density onto the nitrogen, and that makes the amine a stronger base. This effect favours the tertiary amine. But once the amine grabs a proton, water steadies it using N−H bonds, and a tertiary amine has fewer N−H bonds, so water steadies it less. This second effect works against the tertiary amine.

Step 2: The actual measured order
When both effects are put together for ethyl amines, experiments in water show the secondary amine is the strongest, then the tertiary, then the primary: \[ (C_2H_5)_2NH > (C_2H_5)_3N > C_2H_5NH_2 \]

Step 3: Match the option
This order, secondary then tertiary then primary, is exactly what option (D) shows.

Answer: Option (D), $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2NH}$ > $\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3N}$ > $\mathrm{C_2H_5NH_2}$.
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