Amines and Amides

Amines and amides are the two functional groups we cover this year that contain nitrogen. They are very easy to identify as possible structures, and to differentiate from each other.

Mass Spec

Amines and amides are the only compounds we look at that will have an odd M⁺ value.

Primary amines have a characteristic (large) peak at 30m/z due to this fragment: CH₂NH₂⁺

Once you know the structure is an amine or amide from this, you look at the IR Spectrum to determine which it is...

IR

Amides have a carbonyl group (C=O), while amines do not. This is the key difference you look for in IR.