Amine
A compound derived from ammonia by replacing one or more hydrogens with alkyl or aryl groups.
Formula / equation
R–NH₂, R₂NH, R₃N
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The nitrogen lone pair makes amines basic and nucleophilic. Alkyl groups donate electron density and strengthen basicity, while aryl groups delocalise the lone pair into the ring and weaken it dramatically. Lower amines have a characteristic fishy smell.
Examples in the real world
Methylamine, aniline in dye manufacture, and the amine groups of every amino acid and alkaloid.