2-aminoethanol

Definition

2-aminoethanol, also known as ethanolamine, is an organic compound consisting of an ethanol group (CH2CH2OH) and an amino group (NH2). It is a colorless, viscous liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor and is widely used in the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 2-aminoethanol is a primary amine, meaning the amino group is attached to a primary carbon atom.
2. It is a versatile building block in organic synthesis and is used in the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, and personal care products.
3. The presence of both an amino group and a hydroxyl group in 2-aminoethanol gives it amphoteric properties, allowing it to act as both an acid and a base.
4. 2-aminoethanol is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and antibiotics.
5. The hydroxyl group in 2-aminoethanol can undergo various reactions, such as esterification, etherification, and oxidation, expanding its chemical versatility.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the dual functional groups (amino and hydroxyl) in the structure of 2-aminoethanol.
  • The presence of both an amino group and a hydroxyl group in the structure of 2-aminoethanol gives it unique properties and reactivity. The amino group allows 2-aminoethanol to participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions, while the hydroxyl group enables it to undergo various transformations, such as esterification and etherification. This dual functionality makes 2-aminoethanol a valuable building block in organic synthesis and the production of a wide range of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Describe the role of 2-aminoethanol in the context of naming amines according to the IUPAC system.
  • In the IUPAC system of nomenclature for amines, 2-aminoethanol is classified as a primary amine, as the amino group (NH2) is attached to a primary carbon atom. The presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) in the molecule is indicated by the prefix '2-' in the name, which specifies the position of the hydroxyl group relative to the amino group. This systematic naming approach helps to unambiguously identify the structure and functional group arrangement of 2-aminoethanol, which is essential for understanding its chemical properties and reactivity.
• Analyze the potential applications of 2-aminoethanol in the context of its chemical properties and structure.
  • The unique combination of an amino group and a hydroxyl group in the structure of 2-aminoethanol endows it with versatile chemical properties that enable a wide range of applications. The amino group allows 2-aminoethanol to participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions, making it a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and antibiotics. Additionally, the hydroxyl group facilitates additional transformations, including esterification and etherification, expanding the potential uses of 2-aminoethanol in the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, and personal care products. The amphoteric nature of 2-aminoethanol, arising from its dual functional groups, further enhances its utility in diverse chemical and industrial applications.

Related terms

Amine:

Amines are organic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom with a lone pair of electrons and at least one alkyl or aryl group bonded to it.

Ethanol:

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with the chemical formula C2H5OH.

Amino Alcohol: Amino alcohols are organic compounds that contain both an amino group (NH2) and a hydroxyl group (OH) in the same molecule.