Quaternary (chemistry)

This article is about general bonding patterns. For the arrangement of multiple molecules in a protein and nucleic acid complex, see quaternary structure.

Quaternary is a term used in organic chemistry to classify various types of compounds (e. g. amines and ammonium salts).[1]

Red highlighted central atoms in various groups of chemical compounds.

Quaternary central atoms compared with primary, secondary and tertiary central atoms.

primary secondary tertiary quaternary
Carbon atom in an alkane
Alcohol does not exist
Amine
Amide does not exist
Phosphine

See also

References

  1. ^ Paula Yurkanis Bruice: Organic Chemistry, Pearson Education Inc., 2004, 4. Ed., p. 78, 104, 893, and 912, ISBN 0-13-121730-5.