Why is ethylamine a stronger base than phenylamine?

A base is a proton acceptor. 

Amines work as bases due to the electronegativity of the nitrogen atom. The lone pair in the nitrogen atom is filled in a 2p(z) orbital, in phenylamine, the p orbital sufficiently overlaps with the p orbitals in the phenyl ring, thus causing the electron density to be spread over a larger area, or delocalised, thus reducing the basicity of the nitrogen atom.

On the other hand, in ethylamine, the nitrogen atom cannot overlap with any other atom and so the electron density is concentrated around the atom, or it's localised, thus increasing the basicity as it's able to attract protons more easily. 

AM
Answered by Adhib M. Chemistry tutor

10458 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the equilibrium constant?


Which are the strongest interactions between molecules


Explain the geometry and bond angles in a NH3 molecule


Give the IUPAC name of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN and describe why the formation of this molecule creates 2 enantiomers.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning