amineadducts

Amine adducts are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of an amine with another molecule, often a Lewis acid or an electrophile. The reaction involves the donation of a lone pair of electrons from the nitrogen atom of the amine to the electron-deficient atom of the other molecule. This forms a coordinate covalent bond, resulting in the amine adduct. The nature of the adduct depends on the specific amine and the molecule it reacts with.

Commonly, amines react with compounds containing carbonyl groups, such as aldehydes and ketones, to form imines and related structures through a process that may involve an initial amine adduct intermediate. Amines can also form adducts with alkyl halides, leading to the formation of quaternary ammonium salts or intermediate amine complexes. In polymer chemistry, amine adducts are significant as curing agents for epoxy resins. The amine's lone pair attacks the epoxide ring, opening it and initiating a polymerization process. These adducts are often less volatile and easier to handle than the parent amines, making them useful in various industrial applications. The stability and reactivity of amine adducts vary widely, influencing their utility in synthesis, catalysis, and material science.