Factsheet

• Word Type: Noun
• Pronunciation:
  • British English: /ˌæmɪˈdeɪʃən/
  • U.S. English: /ˌæmɪˈdeɪʃən/
  • Rhyming Words: station, creation, foundation
• Field: Chemistry
• First Known Use: 1850

Etymology

The term amidation derives from:

• Amide: A compound containing a functional group with a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom (N).
• -ation: A suffix indicating a process or action.

Together, the word describes the process of introducing or forming an amide group in a compound.

Meaning & Use

Definition

Amidation refers to:

1. Conversion into an Amide: The chemical process of transforming a compound into an amide.
2. Introduction of an Amide Group: Adding an amide functional group (-CONH2) to a molecule, typically during synthetic organic reactions.

Quotations in Context

1. 1850:
   “Zinin’s process for the amidation of nitro-compounds.”
   — Chemist
2. 1884:
   “The isomerism of acids has an influence on the speed of amidation.”
   — Chemical News
3. 1961:
   “A selective method of amidation results from reaction of t-butylformamide and olefins in the presence of initiators.”
   — Tetrahedron Letters
4. 2006:
   “Conjugations generally involve either esterification, amidation, mixed anhydride formation, hemiacetal formation, or etherization.”
   — Remington: Science and Practice of Pharmacy

Pronunciation

• Phonetic: /ˌæmɪˈdeɪʃən/
• Rhyming Words: station, creation, foundation

The stress falls on the third syllable (-deɪ), with a smooth flow through the suffix -ation.

Examples in Everyday Use

1. Chemical Synthesis:
   • “The amidation of carboxylic acids is a key step in producing bioactive molecules.”
2. Pharmaceutical Applications:
   • “Amidation reactions are used to modify peptides for improved stability and activity in drug formulations.”
3. Industrial Chemistry:
   • “The polymer industry relies on amidation processes to produce high-performance materials.”

Synonyms

• Amide formation
• Amide synthesis
• Functional group introduction

Significance in Chemistry

1. Biochemistry: Amidation is crucial in peptide modification, influencing protein stability and function.
2. Organic Synthesis: Widely used in producing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial compounds.
3. Material Science: Amidation processes are involved in creating advanced polymers and materials.

Conclusion

Amidation is a fundamental chemical process that enables the formation of amides, vital compounds in diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and materials science. Its historical roots and continued applications highlight its significance in advancing scientific and industrial innovations. Whether in peptide synthesis or polymer creation, amidation remains a cornerstone of modern chemistry.