Chapter 19: Carboxylic Acids
Preparation of Amides
Reaction type: Nucleophilic Acyl Substiution
Summary
In general, it is
not
easy to prepare amides directly from the parent carboxylic acid.
The acid will protonate the amine preventing further reaction since the carboxylate is a poor electrophile and the ammonium ion is not nucleophilic.
It is much easier
to convert the carboxylic acid to the more reactive acyl chloride first.
Study Tip:
Even though "acid + amine" is not a good synthetic method, it at least puts you on the right track.
Related Reactions
Preparation of Acyl Chlorides
Preparation of Esters
©
Dr. Ian Hunt
, Department of Chemistry