NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Acetamide is a much weaker base than ethylamine. Reason (R) : The lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in acetamide is delocalized by resonance with the carbonyl group. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- B(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- CBoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
C. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
Acetamide ( CH₃CONH₂ ) is a much weaker base than ethylamine ( CH₃CH₂NH₂ ). In acetamide, the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom is involved in resonance with the adjacent carbonyl group. This delocalization reduces the electron density on the nitrogen atom, making the lone pair less available for donation to a proton. In ethylamine, the lone pair on the nitrogen atom is localized and readily available for protonation. Additionally, the +I effect of the ethyl group increases the electron density on nitroge