GRE Subject Test: Chemistry : Amine Chemistry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Chemistry

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Other Groups

Ephedrine (shown below) contains what type of amine?

Mcat_problem_set_1

Possible Answers:

Neutral

Primary

Quaternary

Tertiary

Secondary

Correct answer:

Secondary

Explanation:

A secondary amine is an amine (nitrogen atom) that is attached to two carbon-containing groups (alkyl groups or aryl groups). The nitrogen in ephedrine is attached to two alkyl groups, making it a secondary amine.

Primary amines are generally written as . Secondary amines are generally written as . A tertiary amine will be bound to three different R-groups. Quaternary amines require a positive charge on the nitrogen atom to accommodate a fourth R-group.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors