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Multiple Choice

Which class of amines is represented by the general structure R2NH?

In amines, how many carbon-containing groups are attached to the nitrogen determines the class. A primary amine has one carbon substituent and two hydrogens (RNH2). A secondary amine has two carbon substituents and one hydrogen (R2NH). A tertiary amine has three carbon substituents and no hydrogens (R3N). Amides involve a carbonyl group attached to nitrogen, not just alkyl groups on N. The structure R2NH has two R groups bonded to nitrogen plus one hydrogen, which fits the definition of a secondary amine. For example, dimethylamine (Me2NH) shows two carbon substituents on N and one N–H bond, matching this pattern.

In amines, how many carbon-containing groups are attached to the nitrogen determines the class. A primary amine has one carbon substituent and two hydrogens (RNH2). A secondary amine has two carbon substituents and one hydrogen (R2NH). A tertiary amine has three carbon substituents and no hydrogens (R3N). Amides involve a carbonyl group attached to nitrogen, not just alkyl groups on N.

The structure R2NH has two R groups bonded to nitrogen plus one hydrogen, which fits the definition of a secondary amine. For example, dimethylamine (Me2NH) shows two carbon substituents on N and one N–H bond, matching this pattern.