Question

The correct order of decreasing basic strength of the given amines is:

• A. N-ethylmethanamine $>$ ethanamine $>$ benzenamine $>$ N-methylaniline
• B. N-ethylmethanamine $>$ ethanamine $>$ N-methylaniline $>$ benzenamine
• C. N-methylaniline $>$ ethanamine $>$ benzenamine $>$ N-ethylmethanamine
• D. N-methylaniline $>$ N-ethylmethanamine $>$ benzenamine $>$ ethanamine

Hint:

When evaluating the basicity of amines, remember that alkyl groups increase basicity by donating electron density, while aromatic rings decrease basicity by withdrawing electron density.