What are the names to each of the following amines: #CH_3-NH-CH_2-CH_3# and #(CH_3CH_2)_3N#?
1 Answer
There are two systems of naming amines.
Common Names
Amines are named as alkylamines, with the alkyl groups listed in alphabetical order.
CH₃NHCH₂CH₃ is ethylmethylamine (all one word).
(CH₃CH₂)₃N is triethylamine.
IUPAC Names
The IUPAC names get complicated.
Symmetrical secondary and tertiary amines
(a) Cite the name of the alkyl groups, preceded by the numerical prefix "di-" or "tri-" as a prefix to the name "azane" (NH₃).
(CH₃CH₂)₃N is triethylazane.
(b) Cite the name of the alkyl groups R, preceded by "di-" or "tri-" and followed directly without a space, by the name "amine".
(CH₃CH₂)₃N is triethylamine.
Unsymmetrical secondary and tertiary amines
(a) as substituted derivatives of azane (NH₃).
CH₃NHCH₂CH₃ is (ethyl)(methyl)azane.
(b) as N-substituted derivatives of a primary amine RNH₂ or a secondary amine R₂NH.
CH₃NHCH₂CH₃ is N-methylethylamine.
(c) by citing the names of all substituent groups in alphabetical order, preceded by appropriate numerical prefixes, and followed directly, without a space, by the class name "amine".
CH₃NHCH₂CH₃ is ethyl(methyl)amine
There is still another system, called the CAS system, but I'm not going to tell you about that one.
