Question
How is ethylamine prepared from acetonitrile? Compare its basic character with that of ammonia.
Solution
Ethylamine can be obtained from acetonitrile by its reduction.
Ethylamine is a stronger base than ammonia. This is due to the fact that methyl group is electron donating group, and it tends to increase the electron density a N—atom (+I effect). This leads to an increase in the basic strength of ethylamine as compared to ammonia.
Ethylamine is a stronger base than ammonia. This is due to the fact that methyl group is electron donating group, and it tends to increase the electron density a N—atom (+I effect). This leads to an increase in the basic strength of ethylamine as compared to ammonia.
