There are provided for herein novel amine-containing transfection compounds and methods for making and using same. The compounds are generally obtained by reacting a primary amine with an unsaturated compound. Transfection complexes made using the amine-containing transfection compounds in combination with additional compounds to encapsulate biologically active agents such as nucleic acids are also provided for herein. Methods of using the transfection complexes for the in vivo or in vitro delivery of biologically active agents are also described. The transfection complexes of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective modulation of a biological activity at relatively low doses compared to analogous transfection compounds known in the art.