Amides Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Amides

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

Amides (R–CONH2, R–CONHR, R–CONR2) form when carboxylic acids react with amines or by other synthetic routes. They’re relatively unreactive due to resonance stabilization between the carbonyl and the nitrogen’s lone pair. Amide bonds are the backbone of proteins (peptide bonds). In synthetic chemistry, amides are precursors to other functional groups through reduction or hydrolysis, playing crucial roles in materials (e.g., nylon).