Amines

why are amines surrounded by more methyl groups more basic

base: electron donor
alkyl groups are electron donating. more alkyl groups, greater positive inductive effect, the lone pair on N is more available

order of basicity (least to most)

phenyl amine < secondary phenyl alkyl amines < ammonia < alkyl amines < 2nd alkyl etc.

3 stage synthesis of amines

1. free radical substitution, Br₂ with UV light to make CH₂-Br

2. nucleophilic sub, aqueous KCN in alcoholic conditions to make CH₂-CN

3. reduction, 2H₂ with Ni catalyst making CH₂-CH₂-NH₂

why would it be better to use nitriles rather than halogenoalkanes

halogenoalkanes will produce mixture of products, as there will be further reaction of the amine
so higher atom economy in nitriles

preventing further reaction of halogenoalkanes

use xs ammonia

why alkylamines more basic than ammonia

alkyl groups are e- pushing, so due to positive inductive effect, lone pair on N is more available