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Physical Properties of Amines

Physical Properties of Amines

Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.

Urea Cycle

Urea Cycle

The urea cycle describes how liver cells convert ammonia to urea. Ammonia is a toxic waste product of protein catabolism. Land animals must convert ammonia into the less toxic urea which can be safely eliminated by the kidneys through urine. Marine animals excrete ammonia directly, and the surrounding water dilutes the ammonia to safe levels.

Preparation of Amines: Alkylation of Ammonia and Amines

Preparation of Amines: Alkylation of Ammonia and Amines

Alkylation is one of the methods used to prepare amines. Direct alkylation of ammonia or a primary amine with an alkyl halide gives polyalkylated amines along with a quaternary ammonium salt through successive SN2 reactions. This process of making the quaternary salt through the direct alkylation method is called exhaustive alkylation.
Each alkylation step makes the nitrogen center more nucleophilic, which triggers successive alkylations until a quaternary ammonium salt is formed. Considering...

Mass Spectrometry: Amine Fragmentation

Mass Spectrometry: Amine Fragmentation

Amines can be identified using mass spectroscopy based on their characteristic fragmentation patterns. The molecular ions of amines undergo fragmentation via ⍺-cleavage. The ⍺-cleavage of the carbon-carbon bonds in amines generates an alkyl radical and resonance-stabilized nitrogen-containing cation.
In amines, the number of nitrogen atoms affects the mass of the molecular ion, which is described by the nitrogen rule of mass spectrometry. This rule states that a compound containing...

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...

Mass Spectrometry of Amines

Mass Spectrometry of Amines

In mass spectroscopy, amines undergo fragmentation to give parent ions with odd molecule weights. This observed mass spectrum follows the nitrogen rule: a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms produces a parent ion with an odd molecular weight. The remaining fragments have an even mass.
Amines undergo fragmentation through α cleavage, producing nitrogen-containing cations—iminium ions—and alkyl radicals. Mass spectra of aromatic and cyclic aliphatic amines exhibit...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: An Improved Technique for Trimethylamine Detection in Animal-Derived Medicine by Headspace Gas Chromatography-Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Author Spotlight: An Improved Technique for Trimethylamine Detection in Animal-Derived Medicine by Headspace Gas Chromatography-Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Published on: March 10, 2023

Trimethylaminuria.

Ida Kloster, Martina Moter Erichsen

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke

|October 1, 2021

Summary

Trimethylaminuria, a rare genetic disorder, causes a fishy body odor due to impaired trimethylamine metabolism. Diagnosis involves urine tests showing high trimethylamine levels and low N-oxidation, with management focused on diet and hygiene.

Area of Science:

Metabolic disorders
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

Trimethylaminuria is a rare metabolic disorder.
Caused by homozygous mutation in the FMO3 gene.
Leads to the accumulation of trimethylamine (TMA).

Observation:

Patients may experience a persistent fish-like body odor.
Symptoms can impact mental, emotional, and social well-being.
A case presentation highlights a lifelong struggle with odor and self-diagnosis via the internet.

Findings:

Diagnosis confirmed by urine tests revealing elevated free TMA and reduced N-oxidation.
Genetic testing can also identify the FMO3 gene mutation.
No cure exists; management focuses on dietary and hygienic strategies.

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Implications:

Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving quality of life.
Dietary modifications, such as avoiding choline-rich foods, are recommended.
Further research into FMO3 gene function and potential treatments is warranted.