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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Amines

Nomenclature
Formula
3D structure

Functional class name = alkylamines or alkanamines

Substituent suffix = -amine e.g. ethylamine

Substituent prefix = amino-   e.g. aminoethane

Structural unit (depending on R, R' and R")



There are slight differences between amines depending on whether they are primary, secondary or tertiary (based on number of R groups attached to the N)

Primary amines
  • Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine
  • Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane
  • The longest continuous chain is C4 therefore root = but
  • The first point of difference rule requires numbering from the right as drawn to make the amine group locant 2-
butan-2-amine or 2-butylamine
(or sec-butylamine)




CH3CH2CH(NH2)CH3


Secondary amines

  • Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine
  • Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane
  • The longest continuous chain is C2 therefore root = eth
N-methylethylamine
 or
N-methylethanamine




CH3NHCH2CH3


Tertiary amines

  • Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine
  • Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane
  • The longest continuous chain is C1 therefore root = meth
Name : N,N-dimethylmethylamine
or
N,N-dimethylmethanamine
or
trimethylamine




(CH3)3N


organic chemistry ©Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary