Types of Amines

On the basis of how the hydrogen atoms are replaced by an ammonia molecule, amines can be divided into 4 types.

Primary Amines When one of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonia molecule is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group.Eg: Methylamine CH₃NH₂, Aniline C₆H₅NH₂

Secondary AminesTwo organic substituents replace the hydrogen atoms of the ammonia molecule forming an amine.Eg: Dimethylamine (CH₃)2NH, Diphenylamine  (C₆H₅)₂NH

Tertiary AminesWhen all 3 of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by an organic substituent, it could be an aryl or aromatic group.Eg: Trimethylamine N(CH₃)₃, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Cyclic AminesThese are secondary or tertiary amines in an aromatic ring structure. Eg: Piperidine (CH₂)₅NH, Aziridines C₂H₅N