Aminocompounds

Aminocompounds are chemical compounds that contain one or more amino groups (-NH2, -NH-, or substituted forms such as -NR2). This broad category includes simple amines, amino acids, amino alcohols, and many derivatives used in industry and biology.

Amines are commonly classified by the number of carbon substituents on nitrogen: primary (R-NH2), secondary (R2NH), or tertiary (R3N). Protonation gives ammonium salts (RNH3+ or R4N+), affecting solubility and reactivity. Amino acids are distinguished by having both an amino group and a carboxyl group; at physiological pH they typically exist as zwitterions.

Reactivity: amino groups act as nucleophiles and bases; basicity varies with substitution and aryl versus alkyl. Common transformations include acylation to give amides, alkylation to give substituted amines, and reductive amination to convert carbonyls and amines. Methods for preparing amines include Gabriel synthesis, reductive amination, and hydroamination.

Applications and occurrence: amine-containing compounds are essential in biology (proteinogenic amino acids, neurotransmitters), pharmaceuticals, polymers (polyamines), dyes, and agrochemicals. Aminocompounds can be found in naturally occurring products and synthetic materials. Safety depends on the specific compound; many amines are corrosive or have strong odors and may be toxic.