Intermediate Topic 816 of 1102 Organic Chemistry
Amines
Organic derivatives of ammonia that act as bases and nucleophiles.
In-depth explanation of Amines
Amines are derivatives of ammonia in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. They are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary according to how many carbon groups are attached to the nitrogen, and they generally have a fishy odour. The nitrogen lone pair makes amines basic and nucleophilic, so they accept protons and attack electrophiles. Primary and secondary amines form hydrogen bonds, which raises their boiling points relative to tertiary amines of similar mass.
Going deeper: Amines
Key ideas: Primary, secondary or tertiary by number of carbons on nitrogen. Pyramidal sp3 with a lone pair, so basic and nucleophilic. Made by reduction of nitro compounds, nitriles or amides, Gabriel synthesis (primary only) and ammonolysis of halides (gives mixtures). The Hinsberg test distinguishes classes using benzenesulfonyl chloride. Primary and secondary amines have N-H hydrogen bonding; tertiary do not.
Common mistakes and connections: Students think ammonolysis gives a clean primary amine; the product is more nucleophilic than ammonia and over-alkylates. Another error is saying tertiary amines react with nitrous acid like primary ones. Boiling points of isomeric amines fall primary > secondary > tertiary. Links to basicity, diazonium salts and alkaloids.
Visualization of Amines
Amines are ammonia with alkyl groups replacing H; the nitrogen is pyramidal with a lone pair, which makes amines basic and nucleophilic. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Methylamine, aniline and histamine are examples of amines with different structures and biological roles.
Frequently asked questions about Amines
What is Amines?
Organic derivatives of ammonia that act as bases and nucleophiles.
Is Amines a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Amines is a intermediate topic in Organic Chemistry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Amines?
Study these earlier topics in Organic Chemistry first: Soaps and Detergents, Acid Chlorides and Anhydrides, Amides.
What comes after Amines?
The next topics in Organic Chemistry are Basicity of Amines and Diazonium Salts.
Can I practise Amines with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Amines, and the Organic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Amines fits in Organic Chemistry
Amines is topic 88 of 148 in Organic Chemistry.