The differences between amines and ammonia, as well as esters and lipids

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Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, with the molecular formula NH3. Its molecular structure is trigonal pyramidal, and its electron configuration shows that the nitrogen atom has a pair of lone electrons. Ammonia is a colorless, foul-smelling gas that is highly soluble in water. Ammonia can exist on its own. Amines are organic compounds formed by the replacement of hydrogen atoms in ammonia with hydrocarbon groups. Compounds formed by the substitution of one, two, or three hydrogen atoms in an ammonia molecule with hydrocarbon groups are respectively called primary amines, secondary amines, and tertiary amines. Their general formulas are: RNH2 – primary amine, R2NH – secondary amine, R3N – tertiary amine. Amines are widely present in the biological world and play extremely important physiological roles. Therefore, the vast majority of drugs contain an amine functional group – the amino group. Proteins, nucleic acids, many hormones, antibiotics, and alkaloids all contain amino groups and are complex derivatives of amines. Esters: A general term for a class of compounds formed by the interaction of alcohols and acids (including inorganic oxyacids and organic acids), with the loss of water molecules. Contains an ester group. Fat: A type of ester, short for grease. It includes: liquid oils and solid or semi-solid fats.