Question:

Which of the following is least basic?

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Basicity depends on the availability of the nitrogen lone pair; acyl groups withdraw it by resonance.
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{(CH_3CO)_2\ddot{N}H}\)
  • \(\mathrm{(CH_3CO)\ddot{N}HC_2H_5}\)
  • \(\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_3\ddot{N}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{(C_2H_5)_2\ddot{N}H}\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Triethylamine and diethylamine (options 3 and 4) are alkylamines, whose lone pair is made more available by the +I effect, so they are strongly basic.
Options (1) and (2) are amides/imides, where the nitrogen lone pair is delocalised into the C=O group(s).
In option (1), diacetylamine (an imide), the lone pair is delocalised over two carbonyl groups, so it is the least available and the compound is the least basic. In option (2) only one carbonyl is involved.
Answer: (1) \(\mathrm{(CH_3CO)_2NH}\)
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