Subjective Type

Give plausible explanation for each of the following: (i) Why are amines less acidic than alcohols of comparable molecular masses? (ii) Why do primary amines have higher boiling point than tertiary amines? (iii) Why are aliphatic amines stronger bases than aromatic amines?

Solution

(i) Amines lose a proton to form amide ion. Alcohols lose a proton to form alkoxide ion.
$$\displaystyle RNH_2 \rightarrow RNH^- + H^+ \\ R-OH \rightarrow R-O^- + H^+$$
$$O$$ is more electronegative than N, the negative charge is more easily accomodated in $$\displaystyle RO^-$$ than in $$\displaystyle R-NH^-$$. Hence, amines are less acidic than alcohols of comparable molecular masses.

(ii) In primary amines, $$N$$ atoms have two $$H$$ atoms which results in extensive intermolecular $$H$$ bonding. In tertiary amines, $$N$$ atoms do not have H atoms and hydrogen bonding is not possible.
Hence, primary amines have higher boiling point than tertiary amines.

(iii) Aliphatic amines stronger bases than aromatic amines due to following reasons:
(a) Aromatic amines have resonance due to which lone pair of electrons on $$N$$ atom is delocalized over benzene ring and is less available for protonation.
(b) The stability of aryl amine ions is lower than the stability of alkyl amines. Protonation of aromatic amines is not favoured.


SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

The correct order of boiling points of the following isomeric amines is: $$C_4H_9NH_2.(C_2H_5)_2NH,\, C_2H_5N(CH_3)_2$$

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

The decreasing order of boiling points of ethyldimethylamine, n- butylamine and diethylamine is n - Butylamine > Diethylamine > Ethyldimethylamine. This trend of the boiling point can be explained as:

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

The correct order of boiling points of the following isomeric amines is: $$C_4H_9NH_2.(C_2H_5)_2NH,\, C_2H_5N(CH_3)_2$$

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

The decreasing order of boiling points of ethyldimethylamine, n- butylamine and diethylamine is n - Butylamine > Diethylamine > Ethyldimethylamine. This trend of the boiling point can be explained as:

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Tertiary amines have lowest boiling points amongst isomeric amines because:

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Give plausible explanation for: Why do primary amines have higher boiling points than tertiary amines?

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Which of the following is/are correct?

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Give reasons for the following: Primary amines have higher boiling point than tertiary amines.

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Account for the following: Although trimethylamine and n-propylamine have the same molecular weight, but the former boils at a lower temperature (276K) than the latter (322K). Explain why.

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Which of the following compounds has the lowest boiling point?

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