What is the strongest base in liquid ammonia?

Study for the 2025 QRC Chemist Evaluation Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready now!

In liquid ammonia, the strongest base is NH2, also known as the amide ion. The reason is rooted in the basicity of the species in question. In an ammonia environment, NH2 acts as a strong base because it can readily accept a proton (H+) to form NH3, which is more stable than NH2 by itself. Essentially, NH2's high reactivity and propensity to gain protons contribute to its strong basic character.

While ammonia (NH3) can act as a base by accepting protons, it is less basic than NH2. NH3 is more stable and does not aggressively seek protons like NH2 does. N2H4, or hydrazine, is a neutral molecule and not a strong base in the context of liquid ammonia, as it does not exhibit the same proton-accepting strength as the amide ion.

Thus, NH2 stands out as the strongest base in liquid ammonia due to its ability to effectively accept protons and its high reactivity in this solvent environment.

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