Question

What is Basicity of Aniline?

Answer

Aniline [an aromatic amine] is less basic than aliphatic amines due to unavailability of lone pair of electrons for Protonation. Presence of electron releasing groups (+I-effect) increases the basicity of aniline by increasing the electron density on the nitrogen atom. Presence of electron withdrawing groups (-I-effect) decreases the basicity of aniline by decreasing the effect of electron releasing groups and base weakening effect of electron withdrawing groups is more pronounced at p-position than at m-position.