Tertiary amines are organic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom bonded to three carbon-containing groups. Unlike primary and secondary amines, which have one or two carbon groups respectively, tertiary amines do not have any hydrogen atoms directly attached to the nitrogen. This structure affects their chemical properties and reactivity, making them useful in various applications. These compounds are commonly found in pharmaceuticals, dyes, and surfactants. Tertiary amines can also act as bases and nucleophiles in chemical reactions. Their unique properties make them important in the fields of organic chemistry and biochemistry.