# Ethylamine (CH₃CH₂NH₂) is a primary amine. Explain how ethylamine acts as a base when it reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, and describe the type of salt produced.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 18.2 Amines, amides and amino acids · Explain · 5 marks

> Amines are organic compounds derived from ammonia in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. Like ammonia, primary amines can act as bases.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethylamine acts as a base by donating a lone pair of electrons (from the nitrogen atom)
2. The lone pair accepts a proton (H⁺) from the hydrochloric acid
3. This forms an ammonium-type ion / ethylammonium ion (CH₃CH₂NH₃⁺)
4. The salt produced is an ionic compound / named correctly as ethylammonium chloride
5. The salt is an ammonium salt (an alkylammonium salt), analogous to the salt formed when ammonia reacts with an acid

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](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-ch-ch-nh-is-a-primary-amine-81aa69b6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.