Question

Explain structure of Amide functional group.

Answer 1

Hint: The amide functional group has a nitrogen atom attached to a carbon atom.

Complete step by step answer:
1. The amide functional group:
$$-\stackrel{\text{II}}{C}-\underset{\text{I}}{N}-$$

2. If the two remaining bonds on the nitrogen atom are attached to hydrogen atom, the compound is called simple Amides
$$-\underset{\underset{O}{\text{II}}}{C}-N{H}_2$$

3. If one or both of the two remaining bonds on the atom are attached to alkyl or aryl groups, the compound is called a Substituted amide
$$-\underset{\underset{O}{\text{II}}}{C}-NH-R$$

4. The carbonyl carbon – to – nitrogen bond is called an Amide linkage.

5. In organic Chemistry, an amide (also known as an organic amide or a carboxamide) is a compound with the general formula RCNR’R” where R,R’ and R" represent organic groups or hydrogen atoms.

Note: 1. Amides can be used to form resilient structural material for example nylon and kevlar.
2. Amides are found in many drugs. In plants, Nitrogen is absorbed as nitrate ion. This nitrate is internally converted to ammonia ions through plant enzymes. The ammonia ions are then incorporated in amides like Glutamine
3. The amide functional group has a carbonyl group joined to a nitrogen atom from ammonia or an amine.
4. Amides are considered to be the derivative of carboxylic acid because the OH in the carboxylic group is replaced with another group.
5. Other examples of amide include paracetamol and dimethylformamide (organic solvent).
6. In general amides are very weak bases. This is due to the fact that more electronegative oxygen atoms attract lone delocalizing between the nitrogen and oxygen through a process called Resonance. This makes amides less basic because the lone pair is less available for donation.