A Schiff base, named after Hugo Schiff, is a compound with a functional group that contains a carbon-nitrogen double bond with the nitrogen atom connected to an aryl or alkyl group, not hydrogen. Schiff bases in a broad sense have the general formula R1R2C=NR3, where R is an organic side chain. In this definition, Schiff base is synonymous with azomethine. Some restrict the term to the secondary aldimines (azomethines where the carbon is connected to a hydrogen atom), thus with the general formula RCH=NR'.
The chain on the nitrogen makes the Schiff base a stable imine. A Schiff base derived from an aniline, where R3 is a phenyl or a substituted phenyl, can be called an anil.
Read more about Schiff Base: Synthesis, Biochemistry
Famous quotes containing the word base:
“Adolescence is a time when children are supposed to move away from parents who are holding firm and protective behind them. When the parents disconnect, the children have no base to move away from or return to. They aren’t ready to face the world alone. With divorce, adolescents feel abandoned, and they are outraged at that abandonment. They are angry at both parents for letting them down. Often they feel that their parents broke the rules and so now they can too.”
—Mary Pipher (20th century)