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

10722 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

At 25 °C, the initial rate of reaction is 3.1 × 10−3 mol dm−3 s−1 when the initial concentration of C is 0.48 mol dm−3 and the initial concentration of D is 0.23 mol dm−3 . Calculate a value for the rate constant at this T when rate = k [C][D].


State the relative charge and relative mass of a proton, of a neutron and of an electron. In terms of particles, explain the relationship between two isotopes of the same element. Explain why these isotopes have identical chemical properties.


Explain why first ionisation energy decreases down a group.


Elements in the Periodic Table often show periodic trends. Describe and explain the periodic trend in atomic radius and electronegativity from Na to Cl.


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