Question

Based on the concept of the hydration of protonated amines, which of the following represents correct order of decreasing basic strength of amines?

• A. primary amine $>$ secondary amine $>$ tertiary amine
• B. tertiary amine $>$ primary amine $>$ secondary amine
• C. tertiary amine $>$ secondary amine $>$ primary amine
• D. primary amine $>$ tertiary amine $>$ secondary amine

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

primary amine $>$ secondary amine $>$ tertiary amine

Based on the concept of the hydration of protonated amines, the following represents the correct order of decreasing basic strength of amines
primary amine $>$ secondary amine $>$ tertiary amine
This is the same order in which the degree of hydrogen bond formation, the extent of hydration and the stabilisation of protonated amines decrease.