ammonolyysi

Ammonolyysi is a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with ammonia. This reaction can lead to the substitution of various functional groups with an amino group (-NH2). It is analogous to hydrolysis, where water is used, and alcoholysis, where an alcohol is used.

In ammonolyysi, ammonia acts as a nucleophile, attacking an electrophilic center in the substrate molecule. For example, alkyl halides can undergo ammonolyysi to form primary amines. This reaction typically proceeds via an SN2 mechanism, where ammonia attacks the carbon atom bearing the halogen, displacing the halide ion. However, over-alkylation can be a significant issue, as the primary amine product can also react with the alkyl halide to form secondary and tertiary amines, and even quaternary ammonium salts. To favor the formation of primary amines, a large excess of ammonia is often used.

Ammonolyysi is also employed in the synthesis of other nitrogen-containing compounds. For instance, esters can react with ammonia to produce amides and alcohols. This reaction involves the nucleophilic attack of ammonia on the carbonyl carbon of the ester. Acid chlorides and anhydrides also readily undergo ammonolyysi to form amides. The reaction is generally carried out by reacting the substrate with aqueous or anhydrous ammonia. The conditions and yields can vary depending on the specific reactants and reaction parameters.