Nomenclature of Amines

Amines are derivatives of ammonia (NH₃) in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. Amines are classified into three different types as primary (1°), secondary (2°) and tertiary (3°) depending on the number of hydrogen atoms replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.

In primary amines, only one alkyl or aryl group is attached to the nitrogen atom. In secondary amines, two alkyl or aryl groups are attached to the nitrogen while tertiary amines contain three alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.

If four alkyl groups are attached to the nitrogen atom, then the quaternary ammonium ion or salt is formed.

The amino group in aromatic amines is directly bonded to the benzene ring. Aromatic amines are aryl derivatives of ammonia. The parent aromatic amine is known as aniline.

IUPAC Nomenclature

In case of primary aliphatic amines, the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms determines the root name of the compound. The ending –e in thename of the corresponding alkane is changed to -amine.

Secondary and tertiary amines are named by using the prefix Nfor each substituent on the nitrogen atom.