Question

Benzylamine is a stronger base than aniline because:

• A. the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in benzylamine is delocalised
• B. the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in aniline is delocalised
• C. the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in aniline is not involved in resonance
• D. benzylamine has a higher molecular mass than aniline

Answer 1

The correct option is B the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in aniline is delocalised

Benzylamine is a stronger base than aniline because the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in aniline is delocalised over benzene ring.

Hence, due to resonance in aniline, the lone pair of electron on nitrogen is less available for donation to suitable acid.

However in case of benzylamine ($C_6{H}_5-C{H}_2-N{H}_2$), the N atom is attached to saturated C atom.

Hence, no resonance is possible and the lone pair of electron can be easily donated.