Question

Is CH3NH2 an acid or a base?

Answer 1

Methylamine is a Bronsted base, as it can accept a proton from water.

Explanation:

`H_3C-NH_2 + H_2O rightleftharpoons H_3C-NH_2^+ + OH^-`

Methylamine is a reasonably strong base as bases go (`pK_B = 3.36`); it is also a potent nucleophile. It is also incredibly smelly, and when you open a can the whole world knows (or at least the whole floor in your department).