The amides are a group of organic compounds derived from ammonia (NH₃). One or more of the hydrogens of the ammonia is replaced with an organic acid group to produce a primary, secondary, or tertiary amide. The simplest form of amide--a primary amide--has the functional group -CONH₂ (a double bond exists between the carbon and the oxygen). A secondary amide is produced when two hydrogen atoms are replaced and has a general formula of (RCO)₂NH. A tertiary amide has the general formula of (RCO)₃N. All amides have the ending -amide as part of their name. There is no distinction made between the three types in their naming.

The amides are generally crystalline solids which can dissolve in alcohol and ether. Amides are hydrolysed to ammonium salts with catalysis by acids or alkalis. This process is the starting point for the manufacture of a number...