Question:

The relative basic strength of the compounds is correctly shown in the option

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Electron withdrawing groups decrease basic strength because they reduce the availability of the lone pair on nitrogen for proton donation.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(NH_2OH\gt NH_3\gt N_2H_4\)
  • \(N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH\gt NH_3\)
  • \(NH_3\gt N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH\)
  • \(N_2H_4\gt NH_3\gt NH_2OH\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the factor affecting basic strength.
Basic strength depends on the availability of the lone pair of electrons on nitrogen atom for donation.
Greater the availability of the lone pair, greater is the basic strength

Step 2: Compare \(NH_3\) and \(NH_2OH\).
In \[ NH_2OH \] the oxygen atom is highly electronegative and exerts a strong \[ -I \] (inductive withdrawing) effect.
This decreases the electron density on nitrogen and reduces the availability of the lone pair.
Therefore, \[ NH_2OH \] is less basic than \[ NH_3 \]

Step 3: Compare \(NH_3\) and \(N_2H_4\).
In hydrazine, \[ N_2H_4 \] the adjacent nitrogen atom also exerts an electron withdrawing effect on the other nitrogen atom.
Thus, the lone pair on nitrogen becomes slightly less available compared to ammonia.
Hence, \[ NH_3 \] is more basic than \[ N_2H_4 \] However, the electron withdrawing effect of nitrogen is weaker than that of oxygen, so \[ N_2H_4 \] is more basic than \[ NH_2OH \]

Step 4: Arrange the compounds in decreasing basic strength.
Therefore, \[ NH_3\gt N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct order of relative basic strength is \[ \boxed{NH_3\gt N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH} \]
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