Benzhydrylamine

Benzhydrylamine, also known as diphenylmethylamine, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C6H5)2CHNH2. It is a primary amine where the amino group is attached to a benzhydryl group, which consists of two phenyl rings connected to a single carbon atom. The compound is a colorless to light yellow liquid or solid, depending on its purity and temperature. It possesses a characteristic amine odor. Benzhydrylamine is soluble in many organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. Its molecular weight is approximately 183.25 g/mol.

This compound serves as a building block and intermediate in organic synthesis. It is used in the preparation of various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other fine chemicals. Benzhydrylamine can undergo reactions typical of primary amines, such as acylation, alkylation, and condensation reactions. Its reactivity is influenced by the electron-donating nature of the amino group and the bulky benzhydryl moiety. Due to its synthetic utility, benzhydrylamine is a valuable reagent in medicinal chemistry and material science research. It is typically synthesized through the reduction of benzophenone imine or by the amination of benzhydryl halides.