Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Diamines  (or polyamines)

• The root name is based on the longest chain containing both the amine groups.
• The chain is numbered so as to give the one of the amine groups the lowest possible number (i.e. first point of difference).
• The appropriate multiplier (i.e. di- for two, tri for three etc.) is inserted before the -amine suffix or before the root.
• For secondary or tertiary amines, the N locant is used in the same manner as for amines.
• If more than one N is substituted, then use N', N" etc.
• The N locant is listed before numerical locants, e.g. N,N',2-trimethyl....

Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine There are two amines, so insert the multiplier di The longest continuous chain is C2 therefore root = eth Locants for -NH units are 1- and 2- 1,2-ethyldiamine or ethyl-1,2-diamine	H2NCH2CH2NH2
Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine There are two amines, so insert the multiplier di The longest continuous chain is C3 therefore root = prop Locants for -NH units are 1- and 3- There is a C1 substituent = methyl The methyl group is located on the amine, so locant = N N-methyl-1,3-propyldiamine or N-methylpropyl-1,3-diamine	H2NCH2CH2CH2NHCH3
Functional group is an amine, therefore suffix = -amine There are two amines, so insert the multiplier di The longest continuous chain is C2 therefore root = eth Locants for -NH units are 1- and 2- There is are three C1 substituents = trimethyl The methyl groups are located different amines, so locants = N-, N- and N'- N,N,N'-trimethyl-1,2-ethyldiamine or N,N,N'-trimethylethyl-1,2-diamine	(CH3)2NCH2CH2NHCH3

©Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry