6.2.1: Amines Flashcards
How do you name amines?
-amine or amino
Why are amines so reactive?
The lone pair of electrons on the Nitrogen - due to polar N-H bond
What shape are amines around the N? Bond angle?
Trigonal pyramidal, 107 degrees due to lone pair on N
What kind of intermolecular forces do they have?
Why?
Hydrogen bonding due to polar N-H bond and lone pair of electrons on N atom.
Do amines have intermolecular forces which are
stronger than or weaker than alcohols? Why?
Weaker, as N has a lower electronegativity than O → weaker hydrogen bonding
How can/when do amines act as bases?
The lone pair on the nitrogen atom accepts a
proton
How can/when do amines act as nucleophiles?
When they bond with an electron-deficient C atom (donate lone pair from N)
What is the product from the basic action of an
amine with water?
RNH3+ - ammonium ion, which forms a salt with an anion
In order to be the strongest base, what must a particular amine have (out of a set of amines)?
Greatest electron density around the N atom, making it a better electron pair donor (attracts protons more)
What effect do alkyl groups have (on electron density and base strength)?
Positive inductive effect - increase electron density around N → stronger base
Place the following in order of base strength (in
general): NH3, 1o amine, 2o amine, phenylamine.
2o amine > 1o amine > NH3 > phenylamine
How can primary amines then form 2o, 3o amines and 4o ammonium ions?
Multiple substitutions; primary amine is a nucleophile that attacks the original haloalkane etc
What are the problems with this method?
Not efficient as low yield of 1o amine due to multiple substitutions
How would you maximise the yield of the primary
amine?
Use excess ammonia
What type of mechanism is the reaction of a haloalkane with a cyanide ion?
Nucleophilic substitution
