Which is the correct order of basic strength ?a)NH2OH < N2H4 <...
NH2OH and NH2—NH2 may be considered as NH3 derivatives in which H is replaced but — OH and NH2 respectively. Due to their electron withdrawing nature, these groups decreases electron density over nitrogen making them less basic. The effect of — OH group is stronger than —NH2
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Which is the correct order of basic strength ?a)NH2OH < N2H4 <...
Basic strength refers to the ability of a substance to donate a pair of electrons. The greater the ease of donating a pair of electrons, the stronger the base. The order of basic strength is determined by the availability of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.
The correct order of basic strength is option 'A', which is NH2OH, N2H4, and NH3. Let's see why:
1. NH2OH (Hydroxylamine):
- It has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, which can be donated easily.
- The oxygen atom is highly electronegative and draws electrons towards itself, making the nitrogen atom more basic.
- Hence, hydroxylamine is the strongest base among the given options.
2. N2H4 (Hydrazine):
- It has two lone pairs of electrons on each nitrogen atom, but they are involved in the formation of N-N bond.
- The nitrogen atoms are less electronegative than oxygen, but the N-N bond reduces the availability of the lone pair of electrons.
- Thus, hydrazine is a weaker base than hydroxylamine.
3. NH3 (Ammonia):
- It has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, but it is less available for donation than in hydroxylamine due to the absence of the electronegative oxygen atom.
- Hence, ammonia is the weakest base among the given options.
Therefore, the correct order of basic strength is NH2OH > N2H4 > NH3.