Science
Fact Checked

What are Amines?

J. L. Thompson
J. L. Thompson

Amines are a type of organic molecule that is derived from ammonia. They tend to have distinctive and unpleasant odors that are reminiscent of rotting fish. Despite their unpleasant smells, they are critical to the survival of life. Amines help create amino acids, which then help build living proteins. Many vitamins — substances that are critical to sustaining life — are also built out of amines.

Generally, an amine is a molecule that centers around a single atom of nitrogen. This nitrogen is usually connected to two hydrogen atoms and to a single group of other atoms. This is, however, only a general rule. One or both of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by groups of other atoms and the molecule can still be classified as an amine.

Amphetamines and methamphetamines can be used as recreational drugs.
Amphetamines and methamphetamines can be used as recreational drugs.

Beside the amines that the human body is built out of, humankind has found important uses for a number of others. Demerol™ and morphine are used as analgesics — generally known as pain relievers. Novocaine and similar compounds are used as anesthetics. Ephedra is an important decongestant. Tetramethylammonium iodide is used to disinfect drinking water.

Amines tend to have a distinct and unpleasant odor.
Amines tend to have a distinct and unpleasant odor.

Serotonin is generally considered to be an important amine, as it functions as one of the primary neurotransmitters used by the brain. It regulates feelings of heat and hunger, and controls how fast the brain operates. Serotonin affects feelings of happiness, and forms a part of the brain's ability to regulate the waking and sleeping cycle.

Amines have many other functions as well. Some are used for industrial applications, such as tanning and pest control. Aniline is used in the production of man-made dyes. Cadaverine and putrescine produce the odor of rotting, decaying flesh. Some amines, such as amphetamines and methamphetamines, are even used as recreational drugs.

Ephedra is a powerful decongestant, making it useful when treating sinus pain and pressure.
Ephedra is a powerful decongestant, making it useful when treating sinus pain and pressure.

Like ammonia, amines are bases, meaning that they have a pH above seven. Due to this fact, they can be neutralized by acids. When this occurs, they form alkylammonium salts, which themselves have many important properties. One of these salts, choline, is involved in the production of some of the other neurotransmitters that make the human brain work.

Serotonin plays a role in regulating a person's waking and sleeping cycles.
Serotonin plays a role in regulating a person's waking and sleeping cycles.

Amines are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on how many groups of organic compounds are bonded to the central nitrogen atom. An amine with two hydrogen atoms and one organic group is a primary amine. One with one hydrogen atom and two organic groups is secondary, while a nitrogen atom with three organic groups is called tertiary.

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Discussion Comments

anon1004324

Oxygen scavengers?

Oceana

One type of amine is ethylamine. It is used in agricultural chemicals, mining chemicals, flotation agents, and in petroleum refining.

I have read that ethylamine should not be combined with strong acids or chlorine. It is used in organic synthesis as a reactive molecule. It is also used as a solvent.

Weirdly, it is also used in detergents. I saw it listed in the ingredients list (if you can call it that) on the back of a bottle of detergent.

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    • Amphetamines and methamphetamines can be used as recreational drugs.
      By: aaabbc
      Amphetamines and methamphetamines can be used as recreational drugs.
    • Amines tend to have a distinct and unpleasant odor.
      By: Jane Doe
      Amines tend to have a distinct and unpleasant odor.
    • Ephedra is a powerful decongestant, making it useful when treating sinus pain and pressure.
      By: bsites
      Ephedra is a powerful decongestant, making it useful when treating sinus pain and pressure.
    • Serotonin plays a role in regulating a person's waking and sleeping cycles.
      By: Karen Winton
      Serotonin plays a role in regulating a person's waking and sleeping cycles.