imine
Low (Specialist/Scientific)Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A functional group or organic compound containing a carbon–nitrogen double bond (C=N) with the nitrogen atom connected to a hydrogen atom or an organic group.
In biochemistry, a transient intermediate formed during enzymatic reactions, particularly in amino acid metabolism. In materials science, a class of compounds used in polymer and coordination chemistry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Not to be confused with 'amine' (which has a C-N single bond) or 'imino' (relating to the =NH group).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. Potential minor differences in secondary stress placement in longer derived terms.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to scientific literature and education.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[compound] contains an imine group[reaction] proceeds via an imine intermediateThe [aldehyde] reacts with the [amine] to form an imine.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Standard term in university-level chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical science textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry (e.g., imine-based drug design), polymer science (e.g., imine-based dynamic covalent networks).
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The imine was purified by column chromatography.
- This reaction mechanism involves the nucleophilic attack on the imine carbon.
American English
- The imine proved to be unstable under acidic conditions.
- Researchers synthesized a new fluorescent imine for sensor applications.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Imines are important in many biological processes.
- The chemist studied the formation of an imine from an aldehyde.
- The catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of the prochiral imine proceeded with excellent enantioselectivity.
- The imine-based covalent organic framework exhibited remarkable porosity and chemical stability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I'M IN' a double bond. The 'im' sounds like the start of 'image' or 'imagine' – imagine a double bond between Carbon and Nitrogen.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'handshake' between a carbonyl and an amine, resulting in a loss of water and a new connection.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'амины' (amines). The Russian term is 'имин'.
- Avoid mispronouncing it as 'im-in-ee' or 'eye-meen' based on spelling.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'imene', 'iminee', or 'amine'.
- Mispronouncing with stress on the second syllable (e.g., /ɪˈmaɪn/).
- Confusing its chemical structure with that of an enamine or an oxime.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core structure of an imine?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialist scientific term used almost exclusively in chemistry and related fields.
An imine has the C=N bond attached to a hydrogen or an alkyl/aryl group. An enamine has the C=N bond adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond (alkene), effectively an amine attached to an alkene.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The process is described as 'imine formation' or 'to form an imine'.
The most common pronunciations are /ˈɪm.iːn/ (IM-een) or /aɪˈmiːn/ (eye-MEEN). The first syllable is stressed in British English; variation exists in American English.