Background . . .
An introduction to amides including their physical properties.
Preparation of amides . . .
Their preparation from carboxylic acids, acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides.
The hydrolysis of amides . . .
The hydrolysis of amides using acids or alkalis (including the test for an amide).
Other reactions of amides . . .
The lack of base character in amides, the dehydration of amides to make nitriles, and the Hofmann degradation of amides to make primary amines with one less carbon atom.
Polyamides . . .
A summary of the chemistry of simple polyamides like nylon and Kevlar, including their formation, structure, hydrolysis and uses.