Question

Amongest the following the most basic compound is:

• A. p-nitro aniline
• B. Acetanilide
• C. Aniline
• D. Benzylamine

Answer 1

The correct option is D Benzylamine

Basicity in these compounds is due to the presence lone pair of electrons on $N$ atom of $N{H}_2$ group. In p-nitroaniline, acetanilide and aniline the $N{H}_2$ group is attached directly to the benzene ring and the lone pair of electrons on $N$ atom will get involved in resonance in the benzene ring. As a result its ability to donate electrons to the incoming group will decrease, thereby decreasing its basicity. While in benzylamine, $N{H}_2$ group is not attached directly to the benzene ring and its lone pair of electron is available for donation. Therefore, it is most basic among these compounds.