In organic chemistry, amines (Usual prefix: Amino) are compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are formally derivatives of ammonia (NH3), wherein one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent such as an alkyl or aryl group[4] (these may respectively be called alkylamines and arylamines; amines in which both types of substituent are attached to one nitrogen atom may be called alkylarylamines).
The substituent –NH2 is called an amino group.
In the industrial context, amino refers to compounds that contain an amine (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid (-COOH) group. These compounds are commonly referred to as amino acids and are the building blocks of proteins. Here are some examples of industries and applications where amino acids are commonly used:
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Food industry: Amino acids are used as flavor enhancers, sweeteners, and nutritional supplements in various food products, including snacks, beverages, and supplements.
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Pharmaceutical industry: Amino acids are used as raw materials in the production of pharmaceutical drugs, including antibiotics, hormones, and antiviral drugs.
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Cosmetics industry: Amino acids are used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, to improve the texture and appearance of hair and skin.
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Agriculture industry: Amino acids are used in agriculture as fertilizers, soil conditioners, and growth promoters for plants.
Similar concepts in the industrial context include:
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Proteins: Proteins are complex macromolecules made up of amino acids that play a critical role in various biological processes, including metabolism, growth, and repair.
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Peptides: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as active ingredients.
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Amines: Amines are organic compounds that contain one or more amino groups and are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as solvents, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals.
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Carboxylic acids: Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) and are used in various industrial applications, such as food additives, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.