Uses of Amines
Amines are a group of organic compounds that are derived from ammonia. As with ammonia, they are characterized by a distinctive unpleasant smell that may sometimes also remind the handler of the smell of rotting fishes.
Role of amine
Amines are largely used in pharmaceutical industry. Morphine and Demerol are used as analgesics that are pain killers. Novocaine is used as anesthetic and Ephedra is a very common decongestant. We use tetramethyl ammonium iodide for disinfecting drinking water. In daily life activities amines are used for pest control and tanning of leather. They find large applications in man-made dyes. Methamphetamines and amphetamines are recreational drugs. They are basic in nature with pH value above seven. Being basic in nature they are neutralized by the action of acids. The neutralization reaction result in the formation of alkylammonium salts which has many industrial uses. Amines play an important role in the survival of life – they are involved in the creation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins in living beings. Many vitamins are also built from amino acids. The amine Ephedra is a common decongestant. Tetramethyl ammonium iodide is used in the disinfection of drinking water. Amines also have many other functions in an array of daily functions.
Many amines are used in industries for pest control and tanning of leather. The amine Aniline finds application in the manufacturing of man-made dyes. Some amines, such as methamphetamines and amphetamines, are popular recreational drugs.