Structure and Uses of Aliphatic
Amines
Contents
• Basicity of amines
• Comparison of the basicity of ammonia with aliphatic and
aromatic amines
• Structure and uses of important compounds
Learning
Objectives
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to
• Explain the basicity of amines
• Compare the basicity of ammonia with aliphatic and
aromatic amines
• Write the structure and uses of aliphatic amines
Aliphatic
amine
• Aliphatic amine more basic than ammonia
• Basicity of amines – Kb – basicity constant
• Electron releasing group disperses positive charge of
substituted ammonium ion
• Alkyl group pushes electrons towards nitrogen
Ethanolamine
Structure
• 2-aminoethanol or monoethanolamine
• Has both primary amine and primary alcohol
Uses
• As gas stream scrubbing
• As buffer, pH regulator in cosmetics
• Injectable sclerosant
Ethylenediamine
Structure
• Strongly basic amine
Uses
• Precursor to chelation agents, drugs, and agrochemicals,
polymers
• Ingredient in the common bronchodilator drug aminophylline
Amphetamine
Structure
• Alpha-methylphenethylamine
Uses
• Potent CNS stimulant
• For depression and chronic pain
Summary
• Basicity of amines – Kb – basicity constant
• Aliphatic amines – more basic than ammonia
• Aromatic amines – weakly basic than ammonia
• Ethylenediamine is Precursor to chelation agents, drugs,
and agrochemicals, polymers
• Amphetamine is Potent CNS stimulant