Aminocontaining

Aminocontaining compounds are chemical species that include one or more amino groups, typically designated as amino groups (-NH2) or related amine functionalities such as primary (-NH2), secondary (-NHR), or tertiary (-NR2) amines. This broad category encompasses simple amines, amino alcohols, amino acids, and many nitrogen-containing pharmacophores.

Examples range from ethylamine and aniline (primary amines) to dimethylamine (a tertiary amine). Biogenic aminocontaining molecules include amino acids like glycine and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. The presence of amino groups often increases water solubility and provides a handle for further chemical modification.

In chemistry and biology, aminocontaining compounds serve as building blocks for polymers, drugs, dyes, and agrochemicals. They participate in proton transfer and hydrogen-bonding interactions and can act as bases due to the lone pair on nitrogen.

Common synthetic methods to create aminocontaining compounds include reductive amination of carbonyl compounds, nucleophilic substitution of halides with ammonia or amines, and hydroamination of alkenes or alkynes. Protecting groups are often used to control selectivity in multi-functional substrates.

Characterization typically uses infrared spectroscopy (N–H stretches around 3300–3500 cm−1 for primary amines), nuclear magnetic resonance to identify nitrogen-bearing signals, and mass spectrometry. Safety concerns include the basic, sometimes caustic nature of amines and potential toxicity; proper handling and ventilation are advised.

See also: amine, amino group, amino acid, reductive amination, hydroamination.