Answer to Question #186393 in Organic Chemistry for Atik

Question

Discuss the basicity of pyridine

Answer 1

The nitrogen center of pyridine features a basic lone pair of electrons. This lone pair does not overlap with the aromatic π-system ring, consequently pyridine is basic, having chemical properties similar to those of tertiary amines.

Pyridine consists of a stable conjugated system of 3 double bonds in the aromatic ring. Hence, the lone pair of electrons present on the nitrogen atom in pyridine has the ability to donate a hydrogen ion easily or a Lewis acid. Thus, pyridine is a stronger base than pyrrole.