What is the Difference Between Phenylamine and Aminobenzene?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Phenylamine and aminobenzene are two names for the same chemical compound, aniline. The difference between the two names lies in the details they provide about the compound's structure.

  • Phenylamine: This name describes the compound as having a phenyl group (−C6H5) attached to an amino group (−NH2). It emphasizes the connection between the benzene ring and the amino group.
  • Aminobenzene: This name also describes the compound as having an amino group substituted to a benzene ring, but it highlights the benzene ring aspect rather than the connection between the two groups.

Both names refer to the same compound, aniline, which is the simplest aromatic amine. Aniline has a phenyl group attached to an amino group, making it a primary amine. It is a colorless liquid that darkens rapidly on exposure to light and air, turning into a brown oily liquid. Aniline is used in various applications, including the production of plastics, photographic and rubbery chemicals.

Comparative Table: Phenylamine vs Aminobenzene

Phenylamine and aminobenzene are two common names for the same chemical compound, aniline. The key difference between the two names lies in the details they provide about the compound's structure. Here is a comparison table of the two terms:

Property Phenylamine Aminobenzene
Name Refers to aniline as having a phenyl group and an amine group Refers to aniline as having an amine group attached to a benzene ring
Chemical Formula C6H5NH2 C6H5NH2
Structure Aromatic organic compound with a phenyl group (benzene ring) and an attached amine group (-NH2) Aromatic organic compound with a benzene ring and an attached amine group
Properties Slightly soluble in water, colorless liquid when pure, darkens rapidly on exposure to light and air Slightly soluble in water, colorless liquid when pure, darkens rapidly on exposure to light and air
Weak Base Much weaker base than ammonia or other primary amines due to the delocalization of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom Much weaker base than ammonia or other primary amines due to the delocalization of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom

In summary, both phenylamine and aminobenzene describe the same chemical compound, aniline, but they emphasize different aspects of its structure.