Amine vs. Amide: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 20, 2023
Amine is an organic compound containing a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms and/or alkyl groups, while amide contains a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl carbon.
Key Differences
Amine refers to organic compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair of electrons. Amides, on the other hand, are a class of compounds that also contain a nitrogen atom, but this atom is connected to a carbonyl group (C=O).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Amines are derived from ammonia (NH3) where one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent such as an alkyl or aryl group. Amides have a structure in which the nitrogen atom is directly bonded to the carbonyl carbon of an acid.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
In terms of reactivity, amines are generally basic and can react with acids to form salts. Amides are much less basic than amines due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the carbonyl group.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Amines are characterized by their fishy smell, especially the lower members of the series. Amides, however, do not typically have a strong odor and are often found in nature as components of proteins.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Amines can be primary, secondary, or tertiary based on how many alkyl or aryl groups are attached to the nitrogen. Amides can also be primary, secondary, or tertiary, but this classification is based on how many hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen have been replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basic Structure
Nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen and/or alkyl groups
Nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl carbon
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Oct 20, 2023
Reactivity
Basic, forms salts with acids
Less basic, affected by carbonyl group
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Oct 20, 2023
Classification
Based on number of alkyl groups on nitrogen
Based on number of alkyl groups replacing hydrogen on N
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Oct 20, 2023
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Amine and Amide Definitions
Amine
An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic groups.
Methylamine (CH3NH2) is a type of amine.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Amide
A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbonyl group attached to nitrogen.
Ethyl acetamide is an amide with an ethyl group attached.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Amine
Nitrogen-containing organic compounds that can be considered as derived from ammonia.
Aniline, C6H5NH2, is an aromatic amine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Amide
The product of a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an amine.
The reaction between formic acid and ammonia yields formamide, an amide.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Amine
A substance having the properties of an ammonia molecule but with one or more hydrogens substituted by a carbon-containing group.
Ethylamine is an amine with two carbons.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
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Amide
An organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Benzamide is an aromatic amide.
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Oct 20, 2023
Amine
A functional group in organic chemistry that consists of a nitrogen atom attached to hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups.
Trimethylamine (N(CH3)3) is a tertiary amine.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Amide
A compound formed from an acid and an amine.
Acetamide is an amide derived from acetic acid.
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Oct 20, 2023
Amine
A basic compound with properties resembling ammonia, but in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.
Butylamine is a primary amine with four carbon atoms.
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Oct 20, 2023
Amide
An organic molecule derived from a carboxylic acid in which the -OH group is replaced by an -NH2 group.
Urea is an amide found in urine.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Amine
Any of a group of organic compounds of nitrogen, such as ethylamine, C2H5NH2, that may be considered ammonia derivatives in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a hydrocarbon group.
Sumera Saeed
May 19, 2020
Amine
(inorganic chemistry) A functional group formally derived from ammonia by replacing one, two or three hydrogen atoms with hydrocarbon or other radicals.
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May 19, 2020
Amine
(organic chemistry) Any organic compound containing an amine functional group.
Sumera Saeed
May 19, 2020
Amine
One of a class of basic substances derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by an alkyl or aryl group. Compare amide, in which an acyl group is attached to the nitrogen. Hydroxylamine and hydrazine, which are not an organic compounds, are also basic and may also be considered amines.
Sumera Saeed
May 19, 2020
Amine
A compound derived from ammonia by replacing hydrogen atoms by univalent hydrocarbon radicals
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May 19, 2020
FAQs
What is an amide?
An amide is an organic compound formed from an acid and an amine with a carbonyl group bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
What is an amine?
An amine is an organic compound derived from ammonia with hydrogen atoms replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
How are tertiary amines identified?
Tertiary amines have three alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
What are the uses of amines?
Amines are used in making dyes, pharmaceuticals, and polymers.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
What type of amine has two alkyl or aryl groups attached to nitrogen?
That would be a secondary amine.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How can you distinguish between an amine and amide?
An amine has a nitrogen bonded to hydrogen and/or alkyl groups, while an amide has a nitrogen bonded to a carbonyl carbon.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
How can amines be synthesized?
Amines can be synthesized by reducing nitriles, amides, or nitro compounds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
What role does the carbonyl group play in the reactivity of amides?
The carbonyl group in amides makes them less basic and less reactive than amines.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
How are amides typically formed?
Amides are formed by the reaction of carboxylic acids and amines.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Are amides typically reactive?
Amides are generally less reactive than amines due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the carbonyl group.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Do amines have higher boiling points than alkanes?
Yes, amines have higher boiling points due to hydrogen bonding.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
What are some common examples of amines and amides in everyday life?
Examples include the amine in amino acids and proteins, and the amide in nylon and other polymers.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Can amines act as nucleophiles?
Yes, amines can act as nucleophiles due to the lone pair on the nitrogen atom.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
What is the general formula for a primary amide?
The general formula for a primary amide is RCONH2.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Do amides have a strong smell like amines?
No, amides generally do not have a strong odor unlike some amines.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Are amines soluble in water?
Lower amines are soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding, but solubility decreases with increased chain length.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
What is the significance of amides in biology?
Amides are key components in proteins as peptide bonds.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Can amides be hydrolyzed?
Yes, amides can be hydrolyzed to produce carboxylic acids and amines.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
How are amides named in IUPAC nomenclature?
Amides are named by replacing the -oic acid or -ic acid suffix of the parent acid with -amide.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
