# Ethylamine (C₂H₅NH₂) is an amine that reacts with water to form an alkaline solution. Explain why ethylamine is classified as an amine and why its aqueous solution is alkaline.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.6 Amines · Explain · 5 marks

> Ethylamine is a colourless gas at room temperature with a pungent smell. It is produced industrially and dissolves readily in water.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethylamine contains a nitrogen atom (bonded to carbon / as part of the molecule)
2. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons / can accept a proton
3. Ethylamine is derived from / related to ammonia, where a hydrogen atom is replaced by a carbon-containing (alkyl) group
4. Ethylamine reacts with water and accepts a proton (H⁺) from water / acts as a base
5. This produces hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution, making it alkaline

## Key terms

- [amine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amine)
- [alkaline](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkaline)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethylamine-c-h-nh-is-an-amine-that-cedc3868) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.