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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between amides and amines?

Posted May 23, 2024


Answer

Basis of differentiation

Amine

Amide

Definition

Is an organic compound made out of one or more nitrogen atoms attached to alkyl groups

Is an organic compound composed of deprotonated ammonium group and an acyl group

Presence of carbonyl groups

Has no carbonyl groups

Has carbonyl groups

Boiling points

Has comparatively higher boiling points

Has comparatively lower boiling points

State at room temperature

Most low molecular weight amines are glasses 

Are mostly solids

Classification

Amines are classified based on the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom (primary, secondary, tertiary)

Amides are classified as derivatives of carboxylic acids

Hybridization

The nitrogen atom in amines is typically sp3 hybridized

The nitrogen atom in amides is sp2 hybridized

Characteristics

Exhibit basicity

Exhibit acidic characteristics

Additional resources

Structure and Properties of Amines

Amine Reactive Dyes and Probes for Conjugation

iFluor® 488 succinimidyl ester