Amines are weak bases just as ammonia is. Amines react with acid chlorides and acid anhydrides to form amides. Biologically Important Amines. Four neurotransmitters are acetycholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The amphetamines have structures similar to that of epinephrine.
Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds isolated from plants.
They exhibit a variety of physiological effects on the body. Examples of alkaloids include nicotine, caffeine, quinine, atropine, morphine, and codeine. Groups attached to the nitrogen of the amide are denoted by a capital N that precedes the name of the attached group. Physical Properties of Amides. Low molecular weight amides are soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonds.