Chapter 17.15, Problem 1QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct statement among the given statements considering the basic properties of amines and amides has to be chosen.

Concept Introduction:

Amines are a class of organic compounds.  They are derivatives of ammonia.  Similar to the nitrogen atom in ammonia, the amine nitrogen also has a lone pair of electrons on it.  This means that amines can act as proton acceptors.  When an amine is added to water a proton is transferred to the nitrogen atom.  The resulting solution is a basic solution.  This contains ammonium ions and hydroxide ions.

Amides have a carbonyl group bonded to the nitrogen atom.  The carbonyl carbon atom pulls the lone pair of electrons present on the nitrogen strongly.  Hence, the nitrogen atom cannot act as a proton acceptor.  Amides are not basic in nature.