What is the correct order of basic strength of the following ethyl substituted amines in aqueous solution (R=ethyl group)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
There is a subtle interplay of inductive effect, solvation effect and stearic hinderance of alkyl groups to determine the order of basicity of alkylamines in aqueous solutions. For ethyl substituted amines, it is 2°>3°>1°