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JEE Chemistry
Class 12 Chapter 9

Test your Knowledge

question 1 of 5

Amines are derivatives of ammonia in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by:

1.Carbonyl groups
2.Alkyl or aryl groups
3.Oxygen atoms
4.Halogen atoms

Must-Revise Concepts

Acetamide

Acid amides

Amides

Amido and amide

Amine

Amine amide imine

Amines identification

Ammonium acetate

Anilines

Diazonium Salts

Nitriles

Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen

Amino acids

Ascorbic acid

Class 12 Chemistry Chapters List:- JEE & NEET Revision Notes

Chapter 1 Solutions

Chapter 2 Electrochemistry

Chapter 3 Chemical Kinetics

Chapter 4 d- and f-Block Elements

Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds

Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Chapter 7 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Chapter 8 Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Chapter 9 Amines

Chapter 10 Biomolecules

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest-weightage topics include basicity of amines, preparation methods, diazotisation, diazonium salts, Sandmeyer Reaction, Gattermann Reaction, Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis, Hofmann Bromamide Reaction, and organic conversions. These topics are frequently tested in conceptual and mechanism-based questions.

Diazonium salts act as versatile intermediates for preparing haloarenes, phenols, nitriles, and azo compounds. Their reactions are frequently asked in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE examinations because they play a key role in organic synthesis.

After completing Amines, continue with Biomolecules. Although Biomolecules is comparatively more theory-oriented, a clear understanding of functional groups and organic chemistry concepts from the Amines chapter helps in studying amino acids, proteins, and other biologically important compounds.

In aromatic amines such as aniline, the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom is delocalized into the benzene ring through resonance, making it less available for protonation. As a result, aromatic amines are generally less basic than aliphatic amines.

Prepare a reaction summary table listing each name reaction with its reagents, reaction conditions, mechanism, and major products. Revising reaction flowcharts and solving Previous Years' Questions helps improve retention and product prediction.

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Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 9: Amines

Amines is one of the most scoring and conceptually important chapters in Class 12 Organic Chemistry. It covers the classification, nomenclature, preparation, physical properties, basic nature, and chemical reactions of amines along with aromatic diazonium salts and their applications. The chapter emphasizes reaction mechanisms, basicity trends, electrophilic substitution reactions, and important name reactions, making it highly relevant for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE Board examinations.

At ALLEN, Chapter 9: Amines smart study resources are prepared by expert chemistry faculty to simplify Amines through concise theory, concept-based explanations, reaction mechanisms, important name reactions, solved examples, shortcut techniques, previous years' question (PYQ) trends, and exam-oriented revision tips. These notes help students master reaction pathways, improve product prediction, and solve organic conversion questions with confidence.

1.0Chapter Snapshot

Parameter

Details

Difficulty Level

Moderate to High

JEE Main Weightage

High (Generally 1–2 Questions)

JEE Advanced Weightage

High (2–4 Integrated Concepts)

Key Concepts Covered

Classification, Basicity, Preparation, Diazonium Salts, Name Reactions, Organic Conversions

2.0Related Supporting Resources

Resource

Access

Chapter Mock Test Paper

Chapter Mock Test Paper Solution

Practice paper with solutions

Amine 

Amines are organic compounds derived from ammonia (NH3). They are derived by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with an alkyl or aryl group. An amine is a functional group that contains a lone pair on a nitrogen atom. Amines are structurally similar to ammonia in that nitrogen can link up to three hydrogen atoms. They are also known as alkylamines and arylamines because they include an alkyl or an aryl group.

For example:

Different amines

1.0Structure of Amine

The form of an amine molecule is a somewhat flattened triangular pyramid, with the nitrogen atom at the top. Above the nitrogen atom is an unshared electron pair. Nitrogen is trivalent with a lone pair because it possesses 5 valence electrons. According to VSEPR theory, nitrogen in amines is sp3 hybridized and has a pyramidal rather than tetrahedral form due to the existence of a lone pair.

Structure of Amine

2.0Classification of Amines

Amines are classified according to the number of carbon atoms bonded directly to the nitrogen atom.

Classification of Amines

  1. Primary Amines- When one of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonia molecule is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group. Eg: Methylamine CH3NH2, Aniline C6H5NH2
  2. Secondary Amines- Two organic substituents replace the hydrogen atoms of the ammonia molecule forming an amine. Eg: Dimethylamine (CH3)2NH, Diphenylamine  (C6H5)2NH
  3. Tertiary Amines- When all 3 of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by an organic substituent, it could be an aryl or aromatic group. Eg: Trimethylamine N(CH3​)3​, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
  4. Cyclic Amines- These are secondary or tertiary amines in an aromatic ring structure. Eg: Piperidine (CH2​)5​NH, Aziridines C2​H5​N

Cyclic Amines

3.0

1.0Physical Properties of Amines

The lower aliphatic amines are gaseous in nature with a fishy smell. Primary amines with three or four carbon atoms are liquids at room temperature whereas higher ones are solids.

Aniline and other arylamines are generally colourless, but they get coloured if stored outdoors due to atmospheric oxidation.

Lower aliphatic amines can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules hence they are soluble in water. An increase in the size of the hydrophobic alkyl part increases the molar mass of amines which results in a decrease in its solubility in water. Higher amines are insoluble in water.

Physical Properties of Amines

Organic solvents like alcohol, benzene, and ether readily dissolve amines. Alcohols have higher polarity as compared to amines and hence they form stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

Primary and secondary amines are often engaged in the intermolecular association as a result of hydrogen bonding between the nitrogen of one and hydrogen of the other molecule.

The intermolecular association is more prominent in the case of primary amines as compared to secondary amines due to the availability of two hydrogen atoms.

In tertiary amines, there is no intermolecular association due to the absence of free hydrogen atoms for bonding. The order of boiling point of amines is as follows: Primary > Secondary > Tertiary.

2.0Chemical Reactions of Amines

  1. Reaction showing basic nature:

Amines being basic in nature react with acids to form salts.

Reaction in amine showing its basic nature

Amine salts on treatment with a base like NaOH, regenerate the parent amine.

Basic nature of amides

  1. Acylation reaction :

Aliphatic and aromatic primary and secondary amines react with acid chlorides, anhydrides and esters by nucleophilic substitution reaction.

Acylation reaction in amine

Acylation reaction of amines

  1. Hoffmann's carbylamine reaction or isocyanide test :

Aliphatic and aromatic primary amines on heating with chloroform and ethanolic potassium hydroxide form isocyanides or carbylamines which are foul smelling substances.

Hoffmann's carbylamine reaction or isocyanide test in amines

Note: Dichlorocarbene is formed in this reaction.

  1. Reaction with Benzenesulphonyl chloride (Hinsberg’s reagent) :

Reaction with Benzenesulphonyl chloride (Hinsberg’s reagent) in amines

Note:  Hinsberg test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary amines.

These days benzenesulphonyl chloride is replaced by p-toluenesulphonyl chloride (TsCl)

3.0Methods of Preparation of Amines

  1. Reduction of nitro compounds : Nitro compounds are reduced to amines by passing hydrogen gas in the presence of finely divided nickel, palladium or platinum and also by reduction with metals in acidic medium.

Reduction of nitro compounds into amines

  1. Reduction of nitriles(cyanides) and isonitriles (isocyanides) : Nitriles on reduction with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) or catalytic hydrogenation produce primary amines but isonitriles produce secondary amines.

Reduction of nitriles(cyanides) and isonitriles (isocyanides) into amines

  1. Reduction of amides : Amides on reduction with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) produce amines.

Reduction of amides into amines

  1. Gabriel phthalimide synthesis :  Gabriel synthesis is used for the preparation of 1° aliphatic amines. Phthalimide on treatment with ethanolic potassium hydroxide forms potassium salt of phthalimide which on reaction with alkyl halide followed by alkaline or acidic hydrolysis produces the corresponding primary amine.

Gabriel phthalimide synthesis for production of amines

4.0Uses of Amines

  • Direct applications of amines and their salts include corrosion inhibitors in boilers and lubricating oils (morpholine), antioxidants for rubber and roofing asphalt (diarylamines), stabilizers for cellulose nitrate explosives (diphenylamine), gamma radiation protection (diarylamines), developers in photography (aromatic diamines), and so on.
  • Some polyfunctional amines, such as ephedrine and epinephrine (adrenaline), are useful medicines and anaesthetics.
  • It is utilized in water purification, pharmaceutical production, and the manufacture of insecticides and herbicides.
  • It participates in the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in living organisms. Amines also produce a wide range of vitamins.
  • Serotonin is an important amine that serves as a major neurotransmitter. It regulates hunger and is essential for the speed with which the brain processes in general.
  • Amines are used to make pain relievers such as Morphine and Demerol, which are also known as analgesics.

Derivatives of Amines


1.0Learning Outcomes

After completing these revision notes, you will be able to:

  • Classify primary, secondary, and tertiary amines based on their structure.
  • Apply IUPAC nomenclature rules to aliphatic and aromatic amines.
  • Understand various laboratory and industrial methods for the preparation of amines.
  • Compare the basic strength of different amines.
  • Explain the chemical reactions of aliphatic and aromatic amines.
  • Understand the preparation, properties, and reactions of diazonium salts.
  • Apply important name reactions and distinguishing tests in organic chemistry.
  • Solve mechanism-based, conceptual, and organic conversion questions confidently.

2.0Quick Revision Checklist

Must-Revise Concepts

  • Classification of Amines
  • Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Amines
  • IUPAC Nomenclature
  • Methods of Preparation
  • Physical Properties
  • Basic Nature of Amines
  • Basicity Order
  • Hofmann Bromamide Reaction
  • Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis
  • Hinsberg Test
  • Carbylamine Test
  • Diazotisation Reaction
  • Benzenediazonium Chloride
  • Coupling Reactions
  • Electrophilic Substitution in Aniline
  • Sandmeyer Reaction
  • Gattermann Reaction
  • Organic Conversions
  • Important Name Reactions

3.0Formula & Calculation Checklist

Revise the following reaction concepts and important relationships before the examination.

  • General Formula of Amines
  • Classification of Amines
  • Basicity Order
  • Diazotisation Reaction
  • Sandmeyer Reaction
  • Gattermann Reaction
  • Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis
  • Hofmann Bromamide Reaction
  • Carbylamine Reaction
  • Hinsberg Test
  • Coupling Reactions
  • Organic Conversion Pathways

4.0High Weightage Topics

Topic

Key Theoretical Focus

Classification and Nomenclature

Types of amines and IUPAC naming

Preparation of Amines

Reduction methods, Gabriel synthesis, Hofmann Bromamide reaction

Basic Nature of Amines

Factors affecting basicity in gaseous and aqueous phases

Chemical Reactions

Alkylation, acylation, carbylamine reaction, diazotisation

Diazonium Salts

Preparation, properties, and synthetic applications

Name Reactions

Sandmeyer, Gattermann, Gabriel, Hofmann Bromamide

Organic Conversions

Functional group transformations involving amines and diazonium salts

5.0Formula Handbook

The following concepts and reaction relationships are essential for revising Amines for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE examinations.

6.0Common Mistakes & Exam Tips

Amines is a mechanism-based chapter where understanding basicity, reaction conditions, and diazonium chemistry is essential.

Common Mistake

Exam Tip

Confusing primary, secondary, and tertiary amines

Identify the number of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom before solving questions.

Incorrect basicity order

Revise the effect of resonance, inductive effect, and solvation before comparing basic strength.

Forgetting diazotisation temperature

Remember that aromatic diazonium salts are prepared at 273–278 K (0–5°C).

Mixing up Sandmeyer and Gattermann reactions

Prepare a comparison table showing reagents, catalysts, and products.

Applying Carbylamine Test to all amines

The Carbylamine Test is given only by primary amines.

Ignoring reaction conditions

Learn the reagents and conditions for every name reaction along with the mechanism.

Memorizing conversions without understanding pathways

Practice functional group interconversions to improve product prediction.

Confusing Gabriel and Hofmann methods

Remember that Gabriel synthesis prepares primary aliphatic amines, while Hofmann Bromamide reaction converts amides into amines with one fewer carbon atom.

7.0ALLEN Expert Tips

  • Prepare a reaction flowchart connecting nitro compounds, amides, nitriles, amines, and diazonium salts.
  • Revise the basicity trends using inductive effect, resonance, and hydrogen bonding concepts.
  • Memorize all important name reactions with their reagents, reaction conditions, and products.
  • Practice distinguishing tests such as Carbylamine Test and Hinsberg Test regularly.
  • Learn the preparation and synthetic applications of diazonium salts thoroughly.
  • Solve conversion-based questions involving aromatic amines and diazonium compounds.
  • Revise NCERT reaction sequences before attempting competitive examination questions.
  • Practice Previous Years' Questions to strengthen reaction mechanism and organic conversion concepts.

8.0PYQ Trend Analysis

Amines is a high-scoring chapter in Organic Chemistry. Questions are regularly asked from basicity, diazonium salts, name reactions, distinguishing tests, and organic conversions in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE examinations.

Note: The trend below is based on the analysis of previous years' JEE Main and JEE Advanced question papers. The exact number of questions may vary each year.

Topic

Questions Asked (Last 5 Years)

Average Difficulty

Preparation of Amines

1–2

Easy

Basicity of Amines

2–3

Moderate

Diazonium Salts

2–3

Moderate

Name Reactions

2

Moderate

Distinguishing Tests

1

Easy

Organic Conversions

2–4

Moderate–High

Reaction Mechanisms

2–3

Moderate–High

9.0Most Common Question Types

Question Type

What is Commonly Asked?

Reaction Mechanism Questions

Predicting products of amine and diazonium salt reactions

Organic Conversion Questions

Interconversion between nitro compounds, amides, nitriles, amines, and diazonium salts

Product Prediction Questions

Identifying the major product under different reaction conditions

Name Reaction Questions

Gabriel Phthalimide, Hofmann Bromamide, Sandmeyer, and Gattermann reactions

Basicity Comparison Questions

Comparing the basic strength of aliphatic and aromatic amines

Assertion & Reason Questions

Resonance, inductive effect, and diazonium chemistry

Conceptual MCQs

Hinsberg Test, Carbylamine Test, coupling reactions, and electrophilic substitution

10.0Smart Revision Plan

Revise this chapter in the following sequence for better conceptual understanding and reaction analysis:

  1. Classification and Nomenclature of Amines
  2. Methods of Preparation
  3. Physical Properties and Basic Nature
  4. Chemical Reactions of Aliphatic and Aromatic Amines
  5. Distinguishing Tests (Carbylamine and Hinsberg)
  6. Diazonium Salts and Their Reactions
  7. Important Name Reactions and Organic Conversions
  8. Formula Handbook and NCERT Solved Examples
  9. Previous Years' Questions and Mixed Organic Chemistry Practice
  10. Quick Revision of Reaction Mechanisms and Reagents