organonitrogen

Organonitrogen refers to organic compounds that contain nitrogen atoms within their molecules, as opposed to inorganic nitrogen compounds such as ammonium salts or nitrides. The field covers a broad array of structures, from simple amines to complex heterocycles, and includes nitrogen-containing biomolecules.

Major classes include amines (primary, secondary, tertiary), amides, nitriles, imines, and nitro and azo compounds. Many heterocycles contain nitrogen, such as pyridine, pyrimidine, imidazole, and indole. Nitrogen-containing biomolecules, including amino acids, nucleotides, and alkaloids, are central to biology.

Organonitrogen compounds are prepared and transformed by a variety of reactions, such as amination and substitution to form amines, condensation to form imines and amides, and oxidation or reduction to interconvert functional groups. Nitrogen functionality also enables cross-coupling and heterocycle formation in modern synthesis.

Because nitrogen is common in drugs, agrochemicals, dyes, and polymers, organonitrogen chemistry underpins many industrial applications, including pharmaceutical development and the production of nylon and related polymers.

Safety and environmental considerations are important, as some organonitrogen compounds are toxic, mutagenic, or explosive. Nitrosamines, azo compounds, and nitroaromatics require careful handling. Nitrogen-containing pollutants can arise from reduced or oxidized nitrogen species in the environment.