CH3NH2, commonly known as methylamine, is classified as a weak base. This classification is based on its ability to accept protons (H+) in solution, which is a characteristic feature of bases.
Methylamine is an alkyl amine, and when it is added to water, it can undergo a chemical reaction where it accepts a proton from water, forming methylammonium ion (CH3NH3+) and hydroxide ion (OH–). This reaction establishes an equilibrium in which only a small fraction of the methylamine molecules are able to accept protons, which is why it is not classified as a strong base.
In contrast, strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) completely dissociate in water, leading to a high concentration of hydroxide ions. Since methylamine does not fully dissociate and establishes a weak equilibrium, it is described as a weak base.