Read the passage given below and answer the questions based on it.
Amines constitute an important class of organic compounds derived by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms of ammonia molecule by alkyl/aryl group(s). Like ammonia, nitrogen atom of amines is trivalent and carries an unshared pair of electrons. Nitrogen orbitals in amines are therefore sp3 hybridised and the geometry of amines is pyramidal. Amines are classified as primary (1°), secondary (2°) and tertiary (3°) depending upon the number of hydrogen atoms replaced by alkyl or aryl groups in ammonia molecule. Due to the electron releasing nature of alkyl group, it (R) pushes electrons towards nitrogen and thus makes the unshared electron pair more available for sharing with the proton of the acid. Moreover, the substituted ammonium ion formed from the amine gets stabilised due to dispersal of the positive charge by the +I effect of the alkyl group. Hence, alkyl amines are stronger bases than ammonia. Thus, the basic nature of aliphatic amines should increase with increase in the number of alkyl groups. The order of basicity of amines in the gaseous phase follows the expected order: 3° > 2° > 1° > NH3. Adrenaline and ephedrine, both containing a secondary (2°) amino group, are used to increase blood pressure. The well-known antihistaminic drug Benadryl contains a tertiary (3°) amino group.
From the following, which one contains tertiary amino group?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Benadryl
An amine is tertiary when the nitrogen carries no hydrogen and is bonded to three carbon groups (R3N); a secondary amine has one N–H (R2NH).
Option (1) Ephedrine — Incorrect. It contains a secondary amino group (–NH–CH3).
Option (2) Benadryl — Correct. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), \( \ce{(C6H5)2CH-O-CH2CH2-N(CH3)2} \), an antihistaminic drug, has a nitrogen bonded to three carbon groups and no hydrogen: a tertiary amino group.
Option (3) Ammonia — Incorrect. \( \ce{NH3} \) has three hydrogen atoms and no carbon group on nitrogen; it is the parent compound from which amines are derived, not an amine.
Option (4) Adrenaline — Incorrect. It also contains a secondary amino group (–NH–CH3).
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Amines – “… Two biologically active compounds, namely adrenaline and ephedrine, both containing secondary amino group, are used to increase blood pressure. Novocain, a synthetic amino compound, is used as an anaesthetic in dentistry. Benadryl, a well known antihistaminic drug also contains tertiary amino group. Quaternary ammonium salts are used as surfactants.”
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | 13-06 S3 | 21-08 S2 |