Nomenclature of Amines

What is Nomenclature?

Nomenclature is the systematic method of naming chemical compounds. For amines, two naming systems are used: common names and IUPAC names.

Common System

• Formed by naming alkyl groups attached to nitrogen + the word “amine”.
• Used for simple/lower amines.

Examples:
CH₃NH₂ → Methylamine
(CH₃)₂NH → Dimethylamine
C₂H₅CH₂NH₂ → Ethylmethylamine

IUPAC System

• Amines are named as alkanamines.
• Parent hydrocarbon + suffix -amine.
• Substituents on nitrogen → prefix N-.

Examples:
CH₃NH₂ → Methanamine
CH₃CH₂NH₂ → Ethanamine
CH₃NHCH₂CH₃ → N-Methylethanamine
(CH₃)₂CHNH₂ → 2-Aminopropane

Aromatic Amines

Amines derived from aromatic compounds are named using the aryl group as the base.

Examples:
C₆H₅NH₂ → Aniline (common & IUPAC)
CH₃C₆H₄NH₂ → p-Toluidine
NO₂C₆H₄NH₂ → Nitroaniline

Summary Table

Compound	Common Name	IUPAC Name
CH3NH2	Methylamine	Methanamine
CH3CH2NH2	Ethylamine	Ethanamine
CH3NHCH3	Dimethylamine	N-Methylmethanamine
C6H5NH2	Aniline	Benzenamine

Mastering Amine Nomenclature helps in writing structures, predicting reactions, and preparing for Class 12 Chemistry exams. Amines Class 12 NotesByju’s Amines Guide