Amines and Neurotransmitters

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, nomenclature, physical properties, and biological roles of amines and neurotransmitters.

Amines

Organic nitrogen compounds classified by the number of alkyl groups bonded to the N atom.

Primary ($1^o$) amine

An amine containing 1 C—N bond with the general structure $RNH_2$.

Secondary ($2^o$) amine

An amine containing 2 C—N bonds with the general structure $R_2NH$.

Tertiary ($3^o$) amine

An amine containing 3 C—N bonds with the general structure $R_3N$.

Quarternary ($4^o$) amine

An amine with no lone pair on the N atom that bears a positive charge.

Heterocycle

A compound where the amine N atom is part of a ring structure.

Amine Geometry

The amine N has a trigonal pyramidal shape with bond angles of approximately $109.5^o$.

Aniline

The parent name for aromatic amines where the N is directly bonded to a benzene ring.

Amino group

The name given to an $-NH_2$ group when it is named as a substituent.

Alkaloids

Naturally occurring plant amines, such as caffeine and nicotine.

Caffeine

A bitter-tasting mild stimulant found in coffee and tea that increases heart rate and signals glucose production.

Nicotine

A highly toxic and addictive amine isolated from tobacco that acts as a stimulant in small doses.

Morphine

An addictive pain reliever obtained from the opium poppy used for severe pain.

Heroin

A very addictive illegal drug made from morphine that is less polar and more soluble in fat cells.

Quinine

A powerful antipyretic (fever reducer) isolated from the bark of the cinchona tree used to treat malaria.

Atropine

A toxic amine isolated from deadly nightshade that relaxes smooth muscle and enlarges pupils.

Amine Basicity

Amines are bases that act as proton ($H^+$) acceptors.

Ammonium salt

A water-soluble product formed by the reaction of an amine with an acid like $HCl$.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that transmits nerve impulses from one neuron to another.

Synapse

The space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter related to elation that is converted to adrenaline during fear or stress.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter controlling movement and pleasure; decreased levels are linked to Parkinson's disease.

L-Dopa

A precursor that can cross the blood-brain barrier to be converted into dopamine in the brain.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter important for mood and sleep; a deficiency is associated with depression.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; drugs that increase serotonin concentration by inhibiting its reuptake.

Acetylcholine

A quaternary ammonium ion that serves as a neurotransmitter between neurons and muscle cells.

Hormone

A compound produced by an endocrine gland that travels through the bloodstream to a target tissue or organ.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, a hormone made from norepinephrine that produces the "fight or flight" response.

Bronchodilators

Drugs structurally similar to epinephrine used to dilate lung tissue for asthma patients without heart stimulation.

Histamine

A biologically active amine that dilates capillaries, causes allergy symptoms, and stimulates stomach acid secretion.

Antihistamines

Drugs that block histamine uptake by binding to $H_1$ receptors to ease cold and allergy symptoms.