Factsheet

• Word Type: Noun
• Pronunciation:
  • British English: /ˈæmaɪd/ (AM-ide) or /ˈæmɪd/ (AM-id)
  • American English: /ˈæmaɪd/ (AM-ide) or /ˈæməd/ (AM-uhd)
  • Rhyming Words: Guide, Slide, Hide (for “am-ide”); Lid, Kid (for “am-id”)
• Earliest Known Use: 1836
• Scientific Context: Predominantly used in chemistry, particularly organic chemistry.

Etymology

The term amide derives from the French word amide, which was itself derived from ammonia (the nitrogen compound) combined with the suffix -ide indicating a derived chemical substance. This reflects the compound’s relationship to ammonia.

Meaning & Use

Primary Definitions

1. Inorganic Chemistry:
   A compound derived from ammonia (NH₃) where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a metal or radical, resulting in the anion NH₂⁻.
   • Example: Sodium amide (NaNH₂) is used in various organic syntheses.
2. Organic Chemistry:
   A class of compounds containing the functional group —CONH₂. These compounds can be seen as derivatives of carboxylic acids where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by an amine (-NH₂).
   • Example: Acetamide (CH₃CONH₂) is a simple amide used in pharmaceuticals and other industries.

Quotations in Context

1. Inorganic Amides:
   • “Similarly, zinc nitride is formed by heating zinc amide to 200°C.” — E. B. Maxted, 1921
2. Organic Amides:
   • “Asparagine is the amide of aspartic acid, converted to the acid by hydrolysis.” — S. W. Cole, 1933

Examples in Everyday Use

1. Industrial Application:
   • “Lithium amide is frequently used in the synthesis of organic compounds.”
2. Biological Processes:
   • “Amides like glutamine play essential roles in cellular metabolism.”
3. Chemical Reactions:
   • “The hydrolysis of an amide produces a carboxylic acid and ammonia.”

Synonyms

• Acid amide
• Organic compound
• Ammonia derivative

Scientific Importance

Amides are crucial in both natural and synthetic contexts. They are key components of proteins (as peptide bonds) and widely used in pharmaceuticals, polymers (e.g., nylon), and agrochemicals. In chemical reactions, they serve as intermediates for the synthesis of various organic compounds.

Conclusion

The word amide encapsulates a vital concept in chemistry, describing compounds derived from ammonia or carboxylic acids. These substances bridge inorganic and organic chemistry, holding immense significance in biological, industrial, and synthetic applications. Understanding amides offers insights into the molecular processes that underpin life and innovation.