Aminocsoportot

The aminocsoportot, also known as the amino group, is a functional group in organic chemistry with the general formula -NH2. It is derived from ammonia (NH3) by replacing one hydrogen atom with an organic substituent. This group is a fundamental building block in many organic molecules, including proteins, which are composed of amino acids. Amino acids are characterized by the presence of both an amino group and a carboxyl group (-COOH).

The nitrogen atom in the amino group has a lone pair of electrons, making it a basic and nucleophilic site. This property allows the amino group to readily accept protons, acting as a Brønsted-Lowry base, and to participate in reactions with electrophiles, acting as a nucleophile. In aqueous solutions, the basicity of the amino group can lead to the formation of ammonium ions (-NH3+). The strength of its basicity is influenced by the nature of the organic substituent attached to the nitrogen.

Aminocsoportot can be found in a wide variety of organic compounds beyond amino acids, such as amines, amides, and heterocycles. Amines are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary depending on the number of organic groups attached to the nitrogen atom. Amides are formed when the amino group reacts with a carboxylic acid derivative. The presence and arrangement of aminocsoportot in molecules play a crucial role in their chemical reactivity, physical properties, and biological functions.