Question:medium

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

Show Hint

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
  • \(NH_2OH\gt NH_3\gt N_2H_4\)
  • \(N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH\gt NH_3\)
  • \(NH_3\gt N_2H_4\gt NH_2OH\)
  • \(N_2H_4\gt NH_3\gt NH_2OH\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what determines basic strength of nitrogen compounds.
Basic strength depends on the availability of the lone pair on nitrogen for donation to a proton. Greater electron density on N means stronger base. Electron-withdrawing groups reduce basicity.
Step 2: Compare basicity of $NH_3$ and $N_2H_4$.
In $N_2H_4$, the second $-NH_2$ group exerts a mild $-I$ inductive effect on the other nitrogen, slightly reducing its electron density. So $NH_3 > N_2H_4$ in basicity.
Step 3: Compare basicity of $NH_2OH$ with $NH_3$ and $N_2H_4$.
In $NH_2OH$, highly electronegative oxygen is directly bonded to nitrogen. The strong $-I$ effect of oxygen significantly reduces electron density on N, making the lone pair much less available. Hence $NH_2OH$ is the weakest base.
Step 4: Establish the complete order from strongest to weakest.
$NH_3 > N_2H_4 > NH_2OH$. This matches option (3).
Step 5: Verify with $pK_b$ values.
$pK_b$: $NH_3 \approx 4.74$, $N_2H_4 \approx 5.77$, $NH_2OH \approx 8.04$. Lower $pK_b$ means stronger base. Order confirmed.
Step 6: State the final answer.
\[ \boxed{NH_3 > N_2H_4 > NH_2OH} \]
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