Question:medium

What is the order of basic character of ethyl amine (I), diethyl amine (II) and triethyl amine (III)?

Show Hint

In water, basicity of amines depends on both inductive effect and solvation of the protonated amine.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2026
  • I > II > III
  • II > III > I
  • III > II > I
  • III > I > II
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Method: Compare using known aqueous pKb values. Ethylamine pKb ~3.3, diethylamine ~3.0, triethylamine ~3.3-3.4. A lower pKb means a stronger base. Diethylamine has the lowest pKb, so it is strongest, followed by triethylamine, with ethylamine weakest. Diethylamine's conjugate acid keeps one N-H for hydrogen bonding while enjoying a solid +I effect. Triethylamine loses the N-H bond entirely, so its conjugate acid is poorly solvated. Ethylamine keeps two N-H bonds but has only a single ethyl group's +I effect. Ranking: diethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, II > III > I.
\[\boxed{\text{II} > \text{III} > \text{I}}\]
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