Amide Synthesis: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution with Amines
Learn how to make amides via nucleophilic acyl substitution: acid chlorides/anhydrides/esters + amines. Understand why direct acid + amine gives salts, and see common pitfalls + practice.
Best acyl sources: Acid chlorides/anhydrides (fast); esters (slower)
Nucleophile: 1°/2° amines (NH3, RNH2, R2NH)
Key pitfall: Carboxylic acid + amine → salt (no amide) without activation
Base role: Scavenge acid byproducts (e.g., HCl) and keep amine nucleophilic