Nomenclature of Amines. Common names are given to simple amines by adding the suffix -amine to the names of the alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen. In IUPAC names, the -NH2 group is treated as a chain substituent and given the prefix amino-. Aromatic amines are named as derivatives of aniline.
Physical Properties of Amines. Primary and secondary amines have boiling points slightly lower than those of corresponding alcohols. Primary and secondary amines can hydrogen bond with like molecules of themselves. Tertiary amines have much lower boiling points as they cannot hydrogen bond with other tertiary amines. Low molecular weight amines are soluble in water as they are polar and can hydrogen bond with water.. Amines have strong odors. 1,4-diaminobutane (putrascine) and 1,5-diaminopentane (cadaverine) are the end products of the decomposition of proteins.
| Type | Formula | Name | BP, oC |
| Primary amine | CH3CH2CH2-NH2 | n-propylamine | 48 |
| Secondary amine | CH3CH2-NH-CH3 | ethylmethylamine | 36 |
| Tertiary amine | (CH3)3N | trimethylamine | 3 |
Chemical Properties of Amines. Amines are weak bases just as ammonia is. They react with water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-), and they react with acids to form salts. Amines react with acid chlorides and acid anhydrides to form amides.
Biologically Important Amines. Four neurotransmitters are acetycholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Epinephrine is also known as the "fight or flight" hormone. The amphetamines have structures similar to that of epinephrine. Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds isolated from plants. They exhibit a variety of physiological effects on the body. Examples of alkaloids include nicotine, caffeine, quinine, atropine, morphine, and codeine.
Amide Nomenclature. Amides are named by changing the -ic acid or -oic acid ending of the carboxylic acid portion of the compound to -amide. Groups attached to the nitrogen of the amide are denoted by a capital N that precedes the name of the attached group.
Physical Properties of Amides. Low molecular weight amides are soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Unsubstituted amides have higher melting and boiling points than comparable substituted amides.
Chemical Properties of Amides. Amides, unlike amines, are neutral. Amides undergo hydrolysis in acidic conditions to yield a carboxylic acid and an amine salt. Hydrolysis under basic conditions produces a carboxylate salt and an amine.