Amides
Amides are compounds with the general formula RCONR 2 . They are named by replacing the –oic
acid suffix with –amide. Alkyl substituents on the nitrogen atom are listed as prefixes, and their
location is specified with the letter N–. Figure 9.1 shows a few examples.
Figure 9.1. Naming AmidesAmides are generally synthesized by the reaction of other carboxylic acid derivatives with either
ammonia or an amine. Note that loss of hydrogen from the nucleophile is required for this reaction
to take place. Thus, only primary and secondary amines will undergo this reaction.
KEY CONCEPT
Amides are formed by the condensation reaction of other carboxylic acid derivatives and
ammonia or an amine.Cyclic amides are called lactams. These are named according to the carbon atom bonded to the
nitrogen: β-lactams contain a bond between the β-carbon and the nitrogen, γ-lactams contain a
bond between the γ-carbon and the nitrogen, and so forth. Structures of lactams are shown in
Figure 9.2.
Figure 9.2. Examples of Lactams