Ammonia vs. Amine — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 10, 2024
Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3), while an amine is an organic compound derived from ammonia by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl or aryl groups.
Difference Between Ammonia and Amine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ammonia, NH3, is a simple inorganic compound consisting of one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless gas with a distinct pungent smell, used widely in the production of fertilizers, cleaning agents, and as a refrigerant. On the other hand, amines are organic compounds that can be considered derivatives of ammonia; by replacing one or more of ammonia's hydrogen atoms with an alkyl or aryl group, the structure and properties of the resulting compound change significantly.
The properties of ammonia include being a base, capable of forming ammonium salts upon reaction with acids. It is highly soluble in water, forming a basic solution known as ammonium hydroxide. Amines, while also basic, vary in their basicity depending on the nature and number of substituents attached to the nitrogen atom. Primary (one organic group), secondary (two organic groups), and tertiary (three organic groups) amines exhibit different levels of basicity and solubility in water.
Ammonia's primary use is in agriculture as a nitrogen source for fertilizers, supporting plant growth. It also finds applications in various industries, including plastics, explosives, and textiles. Amines, due to their organic nature, are key components in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and polymers. Their utility extends to surfactants and corrosion inhibitors, showcasing their versatility in both industrial and consumer products.
The toxicity of ammonia can be high, especially in concentrated forms, posing risks to health and the environment. Amines also have varying degrees of toxicity and can emit unpleasant odors; however, their impact depends greatly on their structure and concentration. Both ammonia and amines must be handled with care, adhering to safety guidelines to minimize exposure and potential harm.
Despite their differences, ammonia and amines share a key chemical trait: they both contain nitrogen atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. This commonality underlies the chemical behavior that allows them to act as bases and form bonds with acids to produce salts. The transition from inorganic ammonia to the vast array of organic amines illustrates the diversity of nitrogen-containing compounds in chemistry.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
One nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
Nitrogen atom bonded to one or more alkyl or aryl groups.
Type
Inorganic compound.
Organic compound.
Basicity
Strong base, forms ammonium salts with acids.
Basicity varies; can form salts with acids.
Solubility
Highly soluble in water, forms ammonium hydroxide.
Solubility varies with structure; generally soluble in organic solvents.
Primary Uses
Fertilizers, cleaning agents, refrigerants.
Pharmaceuticals, dyes, polymers, surfactants.
Toxicity
Can be high, especially in concentrated forms.
Varies, some are toxic and can emit unpleasant odors.
Compare with Definitions
Ammonia
Forms Ammonium Salts.
When ammonia reacts with acids, it forms ammonium salts.
Amine
Varying Basicity.
The basicity of amines depends on the nature of their alkyl or aryl substituents.
Ammonia
Widely Used in Agriculture.
Ammonia is a key component in the production of nitrogen fertilizers.
Amine
Derived from Ammonia.
Methylamine is an amine formed by replacing one hydrogen in ammonia with a methyl group.
Ammonia
High Solubility in Water.
Ammonia dissolves in water to form a basic solution, ammonium hydroxide.
Amine
Can Form Salts.
Amines react with acids to form salts, useful in various industrial applications.
Ammonia
Inorganic Compound.
Ammonia is used in household cleaners for its effective cleaning properties.
Amine
Used in Pharmaceuticals.
Many drugs contain amine groups due to their reactivity and versatility.
Ammonia
Pungent Smell.
The distinct smell of ammonia is noticeable in many cleaning solutions.
Amine
Organic Nature.
Amines are found in many organic compounds, including natural and synthetic products.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. A stable binary hydride, and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct characteristic of a pungent smell.
Amine
In organic chemistry, amines (, UK also ) are compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are formally derivatives of ammonia, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent such as an alkyl or aryl group (these may respectively be called alkylamines and arylamines; amines in which both types of substituent are attached to one nitrogen atom may be called alkylarylamines).
Ammonia
A colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell, which dissolves in water to give a strongly alkaline solution.
Amine
An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic groups.
Ammonia
A colorless, pungent gas, NH3, extensively used to manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals. Ammonia is the chief nitrogen product excreted by fish and other aquatic animals.
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.
Ammonia
See ammonium hydroxide.
Amine
(inorganic chemistry) A functional group formally derived from ammonia by replacing one, two or three hydrogen atoms with hydrocarbon or other radicals.
Ammonia
(inorganic compound) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste.
Amine
(organic chemistry) Any organic compound containing an amine functional group.
Ammonia
A solution of this compound in water used domestically as a cleaning fluid.
Never use ammonia to clean metal writing pens.
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.
Ammonia
A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: - often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
Amine
A compound derived from ammonia by replacing hydrogen atoms by univalent hydrocarbon radicals
Ammonia
A pungent gas compounded of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3)
Ammonia
A water solution of ammonia
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes ammonia from amines?
Ammonia is an inorganic compound (NH3), while amines are organic derivatives of ammonia with alkyl or aryl groups.
Can ammonia and amines both form salts?
Yes, both can react with acids to form ammonium or amine salts, respectively.
Are all amines derivatives of ammonia?
Yes, amines can be considered derivatives of ammonia, with one or more hydrogen atoms replaced by organic groups.
Is ammonia only harmful in concentrated forms?
While concentrated ammonia is particularly hazardous, even lower concentrations can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Why are amines important in pharmaceuticals?
Amines are versatile and reactive, making them essential for creating a wide range of drugs.
How are ammonia and amines handled safely?
Proper ventilation, protective equipment, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial when handling ammonia and amines.
What makes ammonia highly soluble in water?
Ammonia forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, leading to its high solubility.
Are amines found in nature?
Yes, amines are present in various natural compounds, including amino acids and alkaloids.
How do the properties of amines vary?
Amines vary in basicity, solubility, and toxicity depending on their structure and substituents.
What roles do ammonia and amines play in the environment?
Ammonia is a key nutrient in nitrogen cycles, while amines can be found in natural processes and synthetic products, impacting ecosystems differently.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
