Amine is a term that is commonly used in chemistry and biochemistry. It is an organic compound that contains a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon atoms. Amines are essential building blocks for many biological molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and neurotransmitters. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of amine.
Definitions
Amine is defined as any organic compound that contains a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon atoms. Amines are classified based on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the nitrogen atom. Primary amines have one carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom, secondary amines have two, and tertiary amines have three.
Origin
The word amine is derived from the French word ammoniaque, which means ammonia. The term was first used in the 19th century to describe organic compounds that were derived from ammonia. The discovery of amines was a significant milestone in the development of organic chemistry, as it opened up new avenues for the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, amine is defined as “any of a class of organic compounds derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with organic groups.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines amine as “a compound derived from ammonia by replacing one or more of its hydrogen atoms with organic groups.”
Associations
Amines are associated with a wide range of biological processes, including the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and neurotransmitters. They are also used in the synthesis of drugs, pesticides, and other chemicals. Amines are found in many natural sources, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of amine include amino compound, aminoalkane, and nitrogen compound.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of amine, as it is a specific type of organic compound. However, some related terms include carbonyl compounds, aldehydes, and ketones.
The same root words
The root word of amine is ammonia, which is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. Other related terms include ammonium, ammoniacal, and ammonification.
Example Sentences
- Amines are essential building blocks for many biological molecules.
- The synthesis of amines has opened up new avenues for the development of organic chemistry.
- The plant-based diet is a rich source of amines and other essential nutrients.
- The reaction between ammonia and an organic compound yields an amine.
- The drug was synthesized using amines as a starting material.