Amines: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
A Theoretical Investigatory Project in Chemistry – Class XII
Index
1. Introduction to Amines
2. Classification of Amines
3. Nomenclature of Amines
4. Methods of Preparation
5. Physical Properties
6. Chemical Properties
7. Comparative Study of Amines
8. Applications and Uses
9. Amines in Daily Life and Industry
10. Environmental and Health Aspects
11. Observation and Discussion
12. Conclusion
13. Bibliography
1. Introduction to Amines
Amines are organic compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a
lone pair. They are derived from ammonia (NH■) by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms
with alkyl or aryl groups. Amines play a crucial role in biological systems and industrial processes.
They are essential intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, drugs, and polymers.
2. Classification of Amines
Amines are classified based on the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to nitrogen:
Type Structure Example
Primary (1°) R–NH■ Methylamine
Secondary (2°) R■–NH Dimethylamine
Tertiary (3°) R■–N Trimethylamine
Quaternary Ammonium Salt [R■N]■X■ Tetramethylammonium chloride
3. Nomenclature of Amines
Amines are named by replacing the suffix ‘-e’ of the parent hydrocarbon with ‘-amine’. If more than
one amino group is present, prefixes such as di-, tri-, etc., are used (e.g., ethylenediamine).
4. Methods of Preparation
Amines can be synthesized through several methods such as: 1. Reduction of nitro compounds
(e.g., nitrobenzene → aniline) 2. Ammonolysis of alkyl halides 3. Reduction of amides 4. Gabriel
phthalimide synthesis (for primary amines only) 5. Hoffmann bromamide degradation (for primary
amines)
5. Physical Properties
Amines are generally colorless and have characteristic fishy odors. Lower aliphatic amines are
soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding. Their boiling points are higher than corresponding
hydrocarbons but lower than alcohols of similar molecular mass.
7. Comparative Study of Amines
(a) Comparative Basic Strength
The basic strength of amines depends on the availability of the lone pair on nitrogen. Aliphatic
amines are more basic than ammonia due to the +I effect of alkyl groups. Aromatic amines like
aniline are less basic because the lone pair is delocalized into the benzene ring.
Compound Basic Strength (Relative to NH■)
Ammonia 1
Methylamine 1.5
Dimethylamine 2.2
Aniline 0.4
(b) Comparative Boiling Points
Boiling points of amines depend on hydrogen bonding and molecular mass. Primary amines have
higher boiling points than secondary and tertiary amines of comparable mass due to stronger
hydrogen bonding.
(c) Comparative Solubility
Solubility in water decreases as the size of the alkyl group increases because of reduced hydrogen
bonding with water molecules. Tertiary amines, although less polar, can still form hydrogen bonds
through water molecules.
(d) Comparative Reactivity
Amines act as nucleophiles in most reactions. Primary amines readily form diazonium salts,
secondary amines form N-nitroso compounds, and tertiary amines undergo quaternization.
Aromatic amines undergo electrophilic substitution reactions, mainly at the ortho and para
positions.
8. Applications and Uses
Amines have wide applications in various industries: - Manufacture of dyes, drugs, and pesticides -
Used in gas treatment processes - Preparation of polymers and surfactants - Important
intermediates in organic synthesis
10. Environmental and Health Aspects
While amines are valuable industrially, their vapors can be irritating and toxic in large
concentrations. Some aromatic amines are carcinogenic. Proper handling, storage, and disposal
are essential to prevent environmental contamination.
11. Observation and Discussion
The comparative analysis of amines reveals the significant influence of structure on physical and
chemical properties. The basicity trend, hydrogen bonding, and substituent effects explain their
varying reactivity and solubility patterns.
12. Conclusion
Amines are vital organic compounds whose properties are deeply influenced by their structure and
bonding. Understanding these relationships aids in their practical use in pharmaceuticals, polymers,
and many industrial applications.
13. Bibliography
1. NCERT Chemistry Class XII Part II 2. Morrison and Boyd – Organic Chemistry 3. Modern ABC of
Chemistry, Class 12 4. [Link] 5. [Link]
