3.9 Amines and Amides

Amines are molecules where at least one carbon is single bonded to a tetrahedral nitrogen.

Primary amines have a C-NH₂ group, for example n-butyl amine CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂.

Secondary amines have a C-NH-C group, for example diethylamine CH₃CH₂NHCH₂CH₃.

Tertiary amines have three carbon atoms bonded to a tetrahedral nitrogen, such as trimethylamine (CH₃)₃N.

Amines tend to be soluble in water.

Amides have a -C(=O)NH₂ group, although one or both of the hydrogens can be substituted, therefore it is more accurate to say amides have a -C(=O)N(R)R' group, R and R' representing any organic group.

Amide groups are very hydrophilic (they like to be around water) and amide compounds are often soluble. We will se more of amides in later sections.

Next Lesson | Table of Contents | Main