Amines are organic compounds derived from ammonia where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. They are classified as primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary depending on the number of alkyl/aryl substitutions. Amines can be synthesized through reactions of alkyl halides with ammonia, reduction of alcohols or nitriles with ammonia, or reduction of nitroalkanes or amides. Their properties depend on structure, with lower alkyl amines being gases or liquids and higher ones solids. Amines react with acids, acid chlorides, and nitrous acid. They have many pharmaceutical uses as analgesics, anesthetics, and in creating amino acids.