The order of basic strength of the following in aqueous solution is
NH₃, C₂H₅NH₂, (C₂H₅)₂NH, (C₂H₅)₃N

detailed solution

Correct option is B

• Basicity of aliphatic amines should be: primary>secondary>tertiary, which is opposite to the inductive effect based order.
• Secondly, when the alkyl group is small, like -CH₃ group, there will be steric hindrance.
• Therefore, the change of the nature of alkyl group, i.e. from -CH₃ to -C₂H₅ results in change in the order of basic strength.
• Thus, there is a subtle interplay of inductive effect, solvation effect and steric hindrance of alkyl group, which decides the basic strength of alkyl amines.