Amines are a class of organic compounds that contain nitrogen. They are derived from ammonia (NH₃), where one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a carbon-containing group.
Types of Amines
Amines are classified based on how many hydrogen atoms in ammonia are replaced:
- Primary amine – one hydrogen is replaced (–NH₂ group attached to one carbon).
- Secondary amine – two hydrogens are replaced (nitrogen attached to two carbons).
- Tertiary amine – all three hydrogens are replaced (nitrogen attached to three carbons).
- Quaternary ammonium salts – nitrogen is bonded to four carbons, carrying a positive charge.
General Properties
- They are basic (can accept protons), though their strength depends on structure.
- Many have a fishy odor (common for low-molecular-weight amines).
- They can form hydrogen bonds, which affects their boiling points and solubility in water.
Biological Importance
- Amines are building blocks of life:
- Amino acids (the units of proteins) contain amine groups.
- Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and histamine are amines.
- Many drugs (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants, anesthetics) contain amine groups.
In short: Amines are nitrogen-containing compounds derived from ammonia, important both in chemistry and biology, with major roles in medicine, signaling, and metabolism.