aminogens

Aminogens are agents that are capable of introducing amino groups into other molecules. The term is not widely standardized in modern chemical or biochemical literature and may appear in older or niche sources. When used, it generally refers to substances or catalysts that generate or transfer amino groups, thereby forming amines or amino-bearing compounds.

In biological systems, aminogenic transformations are most often carried out by aminotransferases (transaminases), which transfer an amino group from an amino donor, such as an amino acid, to an acceptor ketone or aldehyde. Pyridoxal phosphate commonly serves as a cofactor in these reactions. In chemical synthesis, aminomations can be achieved through various routes, including the use of ammonia or ammonium equivalents as amino donors, as well as reagents or catalysts that enable direct C–N bond formation, imine pathways, or reductive amination of carbonyl compounds. Some catalytic systems are designed to be enantioselective, effectively acting as aminogens to produce chiral amines.

Aminogenic processes are central to nitrogen metabolism in biology and to the biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. In industry, aminogenic methods are employed to prepare primary or secondary amines and related derivatives, which are foundational in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Practical use of aminogens requires consideration of substrate scope, chemo- and stereoselectivity, reaction conditions, cofactors, and environmental and economic factors.