Question:

The correct order of decreasing basicities of \( C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \), \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \) and \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \) in aqueous solution is :

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Memory Rule for basicity in water:
Methyl amines: \( 2^\circ \gt 1^\circ \gt 3^\circ \) (213 rule)
Ethyl amines: \( 2^\circ \gt 3^\circ \gt 1^\circ \) (231 rule)
Secondary is always the strongest!
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \gt C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \)
  • \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \gt C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \)
  • \( C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \)
  • \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \gt C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:

• The basicity of amines in aqueous solution is determined by the stability of the substituted ammonium cation formed after accepting a proton.

• Three major factors influence this stability: The inductive effect (+I effect of alkyl groups), the solvation effect (hydration through hydrogen bonding), and steric hindrance.

• In the gas phase, basicity follows the simple order: \( 3^\circ \gt 2^\circ \gt 1^\circ \) due to the +I effect.

• In aqueous solution, the interplay between these three factors leads to an anomalous order depending on the size of the alkyl group.
Step 1: Evaluate the effect of alkyl groups (Inductive Effect)
Alkyl groups like ethyl (\( -C_{2}H_{5} \)) are electron-releasing groups.
They increase electron density on the Nitrogen atom, making the lone pair more available for donation.
Based solely on this, the tertiary amine \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \) should be the strongest base.

Step 2: Analyze the Solvation Effect
When an amine accepts a proton, it forms a conjugate acid (cation).
This cation is stabilized by water molecules via hydrogen bonding.
The more Hydrogens attached to the Nitrogen in the cation, the better it is solvated.
Order of stability via solvation: \( 1^\circ \gt 2^\circ \gt 3^\circ \).

Step 3: Consider Steric Hindrance
Bulky ethyl groups hinder the approach of water molecules for solvation and the approach of a proton (\( H^+ \)).
This is particularly high in the tertiary amine \( (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \), which reduces its stability significantly compared to the secondary amine.

Step 4: Determine the combined final order
For Ethyl-substituted amines, the secondary amine is the most stable because it balances +I effect and solvation perfectly.
The tertiary amine follows, as the +I effect of three ethyl groups compensates for the steric hindrance more effectively than in methyl amines.
Final Order: Secondary (\( 2^\circ \)) \( \gt \) Tertiary (\( 3^\circ \)) \( \gt \) Primary (\( 1^\circ \)).
\[ (C_{2}H_{5})_{2}NH \gt (C_{2}H_{5})_{3}N \gt C_{2}H_{5}NH_{2} \]
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