Chapter 23.2, Problem 12LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : To write the three possible general formulas of amine.

Concept Introduction : A general formula is used to represent the common formula for the compounds that belong to the same family. In a general formula, the R group represents the alkyl group with a general formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{n}}{\text{H}}_{\text{2n+1}}$

Answer to Problem 12LC

The three general formulas of anime are as below:

1. Primary Amine: ${\text{R-NH}}_{\text{2}}$
2. Secondary Amine: ${\text{R}}_{\text{2}}\text{NH}$
3. Tertiary Amine: ${\text{R}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$

Explanation of Solution

The general formula of amine is given above. There are three types of amines.

If one R group is attached to ${\text{-NH}}_{\text{2}}$ , then it is called a primary amine.

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ is a primary amine and it is in the general form ${\text{R-NH}}_{\text{2}}$ .

Similarly, if two R groups are attached to ${\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ , then it is called a secondary amine

  ${{\text{(CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{)}}_2\text{NH}$ is a secondary amine and it is in the general form ${\text{R}}_{\text{2}}\text{NH}$

If three alkyl groups are attached to ${\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ , then it is called a tertiary amine.

  ${{\text{(CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{)}}_3\text{N}$ is a tertiary amine and it is in the general form ${\text{R}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$

Conclusion

The classification of an amine into primary, secondary, and tertiary is based on the number of alkyl groups around the Nitrogen.