# Amines are a group of organic compounds that contain nitrogen. Describe the structure of an amine and explain why amines are classified as bases.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 4.6 Amines · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

> Methylamine, CH₃NH₂, is the simplest amine. It dissolves in water to produce an alkaline solution.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. An amine contains a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon/hydrogen atoms (or: contains the –NH₂ functional group / amino group)
2. The nitrogen atom in an amine has a lone pair of electrons
3. The lone pair can accept / receive a proton (H⁺)
4. Because amines accept protons / H⁺ they act as bases (proton acceptors)
5. When an amine dissolves in water it produces hydroxide ions (OH⁻), making the solution alkaline / pH above 7

## Key terms

- [amine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amine)
- [base](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/base)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/amines-are-a-group-of-organic-e0bea0f5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.