Question

dimethyl amine is more basic than trimethyl amine

Answer 1

This is an interesting question…

We have to look at two factors here..hydration energy and steric hinderance..

As we know by theory of the inductive effect the trialkyl version should be more basic simply because of the increased +I..but this is NOT OBSERVED..

This is mainly because when we compare the basic natures in water ..we also have to consider hydration energy of the protinated amine..this is pretty low for the trialkyl version..and highest for the monoalkyl one..

But the dialkyl one has enough +I groups ie two alkyl groups as well as a pretty high hydration energy..

This makes it the most basic out of the three..

Cheers.