17 - Amines

Question 0

What are the different types of Amine?

Answer 0

Primary, secondary and tertiary amines. NH2R is a primary amine. NHR2 is a secondary amine. NR3 is a tertiary amine.

Question 1

Why are amines ammonia derivatives?

Answer 1

Amines are ammonia derivatives as the hydrogen atoms on the ammonia molecule have all been replaced one by one with carbon chains (which are symbolised by R).

Question 2

What are amines known for? What are some specific examples?

Answer 2

Amines are known for their physiological effects and actions. Amphetamine is used as a treatment for drowsiness and chronic fatigue syndrome. Phenylephrine is a decongestant, often used in anti-flu medicine with paracetamol.

Question 3

What odour do amines have?

Answer 3

They have an unpleasant odour - they smell fishy.

Question 4

How do you name Amines?

Answer 4

-amine is the suffix. In a secondary and tertiary amine the longest chain takes the name. The shorter hydrocarbon chains attached to the nitrogen are treated as alkyl chains. N is added to the prefix (e.g. N-methyl). An example would be N-methyethylamine (secondary) or N,N-dimethylethylamine.

Question 5

Why and how are amines bases?

Answer 5

They are weak bases as they are proton accepts. Amines have a lone pair on the nitrogen atom which can accept a proton, H+.

Question 6

What happens when an amine accepts a proton?

Answer 6

When a base accepts a proton a lone pair from the nitrogen atom forms a dative covalent bond with the proton. An example: CH3NH2 + H -> CH3NH3 (+).

Question 7

What do amines form when they’re reacted with acids?

Answer 7

Amines (like bases) form salts when they’re reacted with acids. Base + Acid -> Salt. An example: CH3CH2NH2(aq) + HCl(aq) -> CH3CH2NH3+Cl-(aq).