Skip to main content
Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 86b

Draw the structure for each amine.
b. triethylamine

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand that triethylamine is a tertiary amine, which means it has three alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.
Step 2: Recognize that the 'triethyl' part of triethylamine indicates three ethyl groups (C2H5) are attached to the nitrogen.
Step 3: Draw the nitrogen atom (N) as the central atom in the structure.
Step 4: Attach three ethyl groups (CH2CH3) to the nitrogen atom. Each ethyl group is connected to the nitrogen through a single bond.
Step 5: Ensure that the nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons, as it is typical for amines.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Amine Structure

Amines are organic compounds derived from ammonia (NH3) by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl or aryl groups. The general structure of an amine can be represented as R-NH2, R2-NH, or R3-N, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group. Understanding the basic structure of amines is essential for drawing their chemical representations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:28
Rules for Naming Amines

Triethylamine

Triethylamine is a specific type of tertiary amine with the chemical formula N(CH2CH3)3. It consists of three ethyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom, which does not have any hydrogen atoms directly bonded to it. Recognizing the structure of triethylamine is crucial for accurately drawing its molecular representation.

Drawing Chemical Structures

Drawing chemical structures involves representing the arrangement of atoms and bonds in a molecule. This includes using lines to depict bonds between atoms and ensuring that the valency of each atom is satisfied. Mastery of drawing techniques is important for visualizing and communicating the structure of compounds like triethylamine.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:00
Structural Formula