# Methylamine is a simple amine with the molecular formula CH₃NH₂. Explain why methylamine is classified as an amine and describe two properties that methylamine shares with ammonia, giving a reason for each property.

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

> Methylamine (CH₃NH₂) is a gas at room temperature that dissolves readily in water to form an alkaline solution. It is produced naturally during the decomposition of some proteins.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Methylamine is classified as an amine because it contains a nitrogen atom / NH₂ group bonded to a carbon atom / hydrocarbon group
2. Property 1: methylamine dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution (like ammonia)
3. Reason for property 1: both methylamine and ammonia accept a proton from water / act as bases / produce OH⁻ ions in solution
4. Property 2: methylamine has a characteristic / pungent / fishy smell (like ammonia)
5. Reason for property 2: both methylamine and ammonia have a lone pair of electrons on nitrogen / similar nitrogen-containing structure, leading to similar intermolecular interactions / volatile small molecules with similar functional groups

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methylamine-is-a-simple-amine-with-5d1ec37c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.