Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones
Published on: February 5, 2018
Potential toxic effects linked to taurine interactions with alkanolamines and diisopropylamine
Erica Pensini1,2, Caitlyn Hsiung1, Nour Kashlan1
1School of Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada.
Abstract:
Diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminomethyl propanol (AMP), amino ethoxy ethanol (AEE), diethanolamine (DEA), ethanolamine (EA), pyridine (PYR) and methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) are used for carbon capture and to sweeten sour gas, and are found in groundwater. They are also used in cosmetic products. Taurine is abundant in the body, with key biological functions linked to its charged SO groups. Interactions between SO and amines have not been studied, but can strongly affect the biological function of taurine. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates SO…HN hydrogen bonding between taurine and DIPA, AMP, AEE, DEA, EA and MDEA. These interactions induce the formation of hydrophobic amine-taurine clusters, thus decreasing amine miscibility in water, as revealed by light scattering. This effect is most marked for DIPA, leading to turbid mixtures indicative of micron-sized droplets. PYR and taurine likely interact via S…N bonding. This study offers insights regarding potential mechanisms of amine toxicity to humans.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43832-024-00146-1.
Related Concept Videos
Physical Properties of Amines
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2

