Amine
Amines are derived from ammonia (NH₃), with one, two, or three hydrogens replaced by carbon radicals — which classifies them as primary, secondary, or tertiary. They're the chemical basis of many neurotransmitters and drugs.
General formula
R–NH₂ (primary) · R₂NH (secondary) · R₃N (tertiary)
Naming rule
Name = main chain + suffix -amine (e.g., methanamine). In secondary/ tertiary amines, the extra radicals enter as an N- prefix (e.g., N-methylethanamine).
Examples
| Name | Formula |
|---|---|
| Methanamine | CH₃NH₂ |
| Ethanamine | C₂H₅NH₂ |
| N-methylethanamine | C₂H₅NHCH₃ |
| Benzenamine (aniline) | C₆H₅NH₂ |