Aliphatic and Alicyclic Amines

Abstract

Aliphatic and alicyclic amines are a diverse family of chemical substances that touch every aspect of human life. Simple amines are common intermediates used in chemical synthesis and millions of tons are produced annually. Amines are both raw materials needed for bodily function and are prominent waste products. Amines are used in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. In general, it is far more difficult to find a use that does not include amines than to find one that does. Over time, knowledge of the effect of amines on living systems has been increasing, with the largest increases in‐line with the sensitivity of the use. That is, the more of an impact a substance has on the population, the greater the chance a robust database exists. The European Union REACH program (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) has been responsible for a large influx of data for amine substances that have significant relevance to society but did not have a potential for significant exposure under proper conditions of use. The open use policy from the European Chemicals Agency has allowed REACH data, which was primarily from industrial manufacturers, to be added to this chapter revision, which previously contained academic sources.