An organic compound with the formula CH3CONH2 is acetamide (systematic name: ethanamide). Acetic acid is produced. It is used in several industrial solvent and plasticizer applications. N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), a similar compound, is not made from acetamide and is used more frequently. Between urea, which contains two amide (NH2) groups in those positions, and acetone, which has two methyl (CH3) groups on either side of the carbonyl (CO), acetamide can be thought of as an intermediary. With the IMA symbol Ace, acetamide is also a naturally occurring mineral.
Acetamide is also known as acetamide acid or acetic acid amide. It is the simplest amide, formed from acetic acid. Its use as a plasticizer is widespread. The result is a colorless, hygroscopic solid with a musty smell. This is ethanamide. It dissolves well in glycerol, heated benzene, chloroform, water, and ether, but it dissolves only minimally in ether.
Contents
Properties
| C2H5NO | Acetamide |
| Molecular weight/molar mass of C2H5NO | 59.068 g/mol |
| Density of Acetamide | 1.159 g/cm3 |
| Boiling Point of Acetamide | 221.2 °C |
| Melting Point of Acetamide | 79 to 81 °C |
Production
Acetamide can be made in the laboratory by dehydrating ammonium acetate.
[NH4][CH3CO2] → CH3C(O)NH2 + H2O
On the other hand, acetamide can be produced in high yields by ammonolyzing acetylacetone under circumstances similar to those of reductive amination.
Using an ice bath and the more valuable reagent acetyl chloride, it can also be produced from anhydrous acetic acid, acetonitrile, and extremely well-dried hydrogen chloride gas. The acetamide produced in this manner has a poor yield (up to 35%) and reacts with HCl to form a salt.
Comparable to certain laboratory techniques, acetamide is generated either by hydrating acetonitrile, a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture, or by dehydrating ammonium acetate.
CH3CN + H2O → CH3C(O)NH2
Applications
Acetamide finds application as an industrial solvent and plasticizer. A good solvent with a wide range of applications is molten acetamide. Its dielectric constant is notably higher than that of the majority of organic solvents, which enables it to dissolve inorganic compounds with solubilities that are almost exactly comparable to those of water. Acetamide finds application in the organic synthesis of pesticides, drugs, and plastic antioxidants using electrochemistry. To thioacetamide, it is a precursor.
Toxicity
It burns easily and releases harmful gases or fumes when heated. Skin, eyes, and mucous membranes may get irritated when exposed to acetic acid amide. It may potentially harm the cornea.
FAQs
Why is acetamide water-soluble?
The main amide is generated by NH2, with the amino group substituting the carboxylic hydroxyl group. Acetamide, which is acetic acid plus amide, is one example. Hydrogen bond creation results in low-molecular-weight amides that are soluble in water.
What is the purpose of acetamide?
Acetamide is an organic compound that has the CH3CONH2 formula. This amide is the most basic type of derivative of acetic acid. Acetamide is utilized as a co-monomer in the production of polymeric goods such as polyvinyl acetamide, a polymeric substance used as an absorbent.
In HCl, is acetamide soluble?
The main discoveries have been that, due to their smaller molecules, acetamide and ammonia are soluble in both water and HCl. It is known that triethylamine, aniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline are MTBE-soluble but not soluble in water or HCl. In both acetamide and ammonia, MTBE is insoluble.
Why is ethylamine a stronger base than acetamide?
A base’s intensity is determined by the existence of a lone pair of electrons since these electrons are what “mop up” H+ ions in solution, raising pH levels toward more alkaline conditions. Because there are fewer lone pairs in phenylamine than in ethylamine, it is also a weaker base.
What does acetamide smell like?
Acetamide is a chemical that is generated from acetic acid and has been described as having an ammoniac or vinegary smell. When the muscle is asleep or out on a food hunt, it will stick to those spots.
Conclusion
To sum up, acetamide (CH3CONH2) is an organic compound that has significant uses in a variety of fields, but because of its toxic nature, it also poses risks to human health and the environment. Regulations and safety precautions should be taken because of this compound’s use, which calls for cautious handling and careful assessment of any hazards.
