Adrenaline and ephedrine, both containing secondary amino groups, are used to increase blood pressure.

Some of the naturally occurring amines include alkaloids found in certain plants; catecholamine neurotransmitters (i.e., dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine); and a specific chemical mediator, histamine, existing in most animal tissues. Common examples of amines include amino acids, trimethylamine, and aniline.

Amines are organic compounds derived by replacing hydrogen atoms of an ammonia molecule with alkyl/aryl groups.

Primary amines are obtained by reducing nitriles with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄) or catalytic hydrogenation. This method allows the ascent of the amine series, leading to amines with one carbon atom more than the starting amine.

The primary amines obtained through ammonolysis act as nucleophiles and can react with alkyl halides to form secondary and tertiary amines. This sequence of reactions can eventually lead to the formation of quaternary ammonium salts.