Alkylamines

Alkylamines

Alkylamines (/ˈælkɪləmiːnz/; from Greek alky, meaning 'fat', and amine, from ammonia) are a type of organic compound that contain a nitrogen atom with a lone pair of electrons and are derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by alkyl groups.

Structure

The general structure of an alkylamine is R-NH2, where R represents an alkyl group. Alkylamines are divided into three types: primary alkylamines (RNH2), secondary alkylamines (R2NH), and tertiary alkylamines (R3N), depending on the number of hydrogen atoms replaced by alkyl groups in ammonia.

Properties

Alkylamines are usually colorless liquids or gases at room temperature with a strong, fishy odor. They are less dense than water and their boiling points are higher than the corresponding hydrocarbons due to the presence of hydrogen bonding.

Uses

Alkylamines are used in the production of a wide range of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes. They are also used as solvents and in the manufacture of rubber accelerators and antioxidants.

Related Terms

• Amine
• Ammonia
• Alkyl
• Organic compound
• Nitrogen
• Hydrocarbons
• Hydrogen bonding
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pesticides
• Dyes

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