Amines


organic compounds formed by replacing one or more hydrogens of ammonia by organic radicals

Most are bases of varrying strength, but a few are acids

Pair of electrons on amine nitrogen enable it to participate in a large variety of reactions - as base or nucleophilke

exist as amino acids, alkaloids, and vitamins

used in the manufacture of drugs, vitamins, nylon, etc.

- Classification

classified by the number of atoms of nitrogen replaced by organic radicals:

1 hydrogen replaced (RHN2) = primary amine
2 hydrogens replaced (R2NH) = secondary amine
3 hydrogens replaced (R3N) = tertiary amines

The R groups may be alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl

heterocyclic amines: amines where nitrogen forms part of a ring

amines are basis because they accept porotons from acids.