Question

What are the differences between an amine, amide and imine ?

Answer 1

Organic amines, $N{R}_3$, are derivatives of ammonia, $N{H}_3$ Amide is a term that represents (i) the acid derivative, RC(= O) $N{R}_2$.

The conjugate bases of ammonia, for instance, potassium amide, $KN{H}_2$, which is unknown in aqueous solution but known in liquid ammonia. Normally, the context will distinguish which amide is meant, and mostly in organic chemistry, the acid derivative (the former) is the one that is specified.

On the other hand, an imine is a carbonyl derivative, RC( = NR ') R, formed by condensation of a carbonyl and an amine:

$RC(=0)R+H_{2}N{R}^{\prime }\to RC(=NR)R+H_{2}O$