Which amine is a strong base due to steric hindrance? (2022)
Practice Questions
Q1
Which amine is a strong base due to steric hindrance? (2022)
Methylamine
Ethylamine
Tert-butylamine
Aniline
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which amine is a strong base due to steric hindrance? (2022)
Step 1: Understand what an amine is. Amines are organic compounds that contain nitrogen atoms.
Step 2: Learn about steric hindrance. Steric hindrance occurs when the size of groups around a reactive site prevents reactions from happening easily.
Step 3: Identify the types of amines. There are primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. Tertiary amines have three carbon groups attached to the nitrogen.
Step 4: Recognize that tert-butylamine is a tertiary amine. It has three bulky groups (methyl groups) attached to the nitrogen.
Step 5: Understand why tert-butylamine is a strong base. The bulky groups create steric hindrance, which makes it difficult for the nitrogen to be protonated (gain a hydrogen ion).
Step 6: Conclude that because tert-butylamine is less likely to be protonated, it remains stable and acts as a strong base.