Question

Primary and secondary amines form hydrogen bonds among themselves. Assume you have a solution of ethanamine (ethylamine). Several proposed amine dimers are presented with the hydrogen bond highlighted as a dotted line. Select the compounds that show a valid hydrogen bond.

Answer 1

The hydrogen bond between two molecules of ethanamine can be drawn as follows.

H..... - N donna--- NH. H HI

Note: If there is a methyl group instead of the ethyl group as the substituent on the N-atom of the amine, then the hydrogen bond still more effective.