Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
NITROGEN-BASED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Class
General Formula
Example
Amines
R
−
NH
2
NH
2
methyl amine
CH
3
−
Nitro compounds
R
−
NO
2
CH
3
CH
2
NO
2
nitroethane
Nitriles
R
−
CN
CN
acetonitrile
CH
3
−
Isocyanates
R
−
N
=
C
=
O
CH
3
−
NCO
methyl
isocyanate
O
C NH
2
Amides
CH
3
CONH
2
acetamide
R
The most important element in organic chemistry after carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen is nitrogen. Generally, nitrogen behaves in organic compounds
as if it has a valence of three; that is, each nitrogen is bonded to three other
atoms. Amines are derivatives of ammonia (NH
3
). Nitro compounds are
based on oxides of nitrogen, for example, nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
), which is
also used to make nitric acid. Nitriles are derivatives of hydrogen cyanide
(HCN). Isocyanates contain the group
O and are highly reactive, for
example, with water. Amides are formed by the reaction of carboxylic acids
or their derivatives with ammonia or amines.
−
N
=
C
=
