# Methylamine (CH₃NH₂) can be prepared by the reaction of ammonia with halogenoalkanes. Explain why methylamine is a stronger base than ammonia, and describe what is observed and the type of salt formed when methylamine reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid.

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

> Methylamine (CH₃NH₂) is a primary amine that is a gas at room temperature. It has a pungent smell and is soluble in water.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Methylamine is a stronger base than ammonia because the methyl group is electron-donating / alkyl groups donate electron density towards the nitrogen
2. This increased electron density on nitrogen makes the lone pair more available / more readily donated to a proton
3. Methylamine dissolves / reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a solution (no visible precipitate / colourless solution formed OR the gas fumes / white fumes observed if gas-phase HCl is used)
4. The product is methylammonium chloride (CH₃NH₃⁺Cl⁻)
5. The product is an ammonium salt / the nitrogen is protonated to form a positively charged ammonium ion

## Key terms

- [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/methylamine-ch-nh-can-be-prepared-by-dee88a72) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.