monoamino

Monoamino, more commonly referred to in English as monoamine, is a term used in chemistry and biochemistry to describe organic compounds that contain exactly one amino group. In general usage, a monoamine is derived from ammonia by replacing one hydrogen with an organic substituent, yielding a molecule in which a single amino group is present. The amino group is typically the functional feature that characterizes these compounds, which can range from simple aliphatic amines to more complex aryl- and heteroatom-substituted amines.

Chemically, monoamines include primary amines such as methylamine and ethylamine, as well as more complex examples like aniline, benzylamine, and various biologically relevant amines. In biological contexts, several monoamines play crucial roles as neurotransmitters or regulators. Prominent examples include the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; the indoleamine serotonin; and histamine. These substances act as signaling molecules in the nervous system and other tissues and are often metabolized by enzymes such as monoamine oxidase.

Synthesis and occurrence vary by context. In industry, monoamines are produced via amination reactions, including reductive amination of aldehydes or ketones and alkylation of ammonia or amines. In biology, monoamines are synthesized from amino acids (for example, tyrosine to dopamine) and stored for rapid release upon signaling needs.

Compared with diamines and polyamines, monoamines contain a single amino group, which underpins their chemical behavior and reactivity. They find use as chemical building blocks, pharmacological agents, and in research on nervous system function.