Question: Most common amines (RNH 2 ) exhibit pK a values between 35 and 45. R represents the rest of the compound (generally carbon and hydrogen

Most common amines (RNH2) exhibit pKavalues between 35 and 45. R represents the rest of the compound (generally carbon and hydrogen atoms). However, when R is a cyano group, the pKais found to be drastically lower:

Н R-N' н NEC-N Н Н рк, - 35-45 рк, - 17


(a) Explain why the presence of the cyano group so drastically impacts the pKa.

(b) Can you suggest a different replacement for R that would lead to an even stronger acid (pKa lower than 17)?

R-N' NEC-N , - 35-45 , - 17

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