Amines are basic in character because they have

Options

A. A lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom
B. A hydroxyl group in the molecule
C. Replaceable hydrogen atom
D. Saturated C atom

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Basicity of Amines:**
- Amines are organic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more alkyl or aryl groups. The general formula for a primary amine is RNH₂, where R represents an alkyl group.

2. **Identifying the Key Feature of Amines:**
- The basicity of amines is primarily due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This lone pair can be donated to other atoms or molecules, making amines act as bases.

3. **Evaluating the Given Options:**
- The question provides several options to explain why amines are basic:
1. A lone pair of electron on the nitrogen atom.
2. A hydroxyl group in the molecule.
3. A replaceable hydrogen atom.
4. A saturated carbon atom.

4. **Analyzing Each Option:**
- **Option 1:** A lone pair of electron on the nitrogen atom.
- This is correct. The lone pair on nitrogen is responsible for the basic character of amines as it can be donated to form bonds with protons (H⁺).

- **Option 2:** A hydroxyl group in the molecule.
- This is incorrect. Amines do not necessarily contain a hydroxyl group (OH). The presence of an OH group is characteristic of alcohols, not amines.

- **Option 3:** A replaceable hydrogen atom.
- This is also incorrect. While amines do have hydrogen atoms, their replaceability does not contribute to their basic character.

- **Option 4:** A saturated carbon atom.
- This option is incorrect as well. The saturation of carbon does not influence the basicity of amines.

5. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer is that amines are basic in character because they have a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, which can be donated to form bonds with protons.

**Final Answer:**
Amines are basic in character because they have a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.

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