Why are acid amides insoluble in water?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 8, 2017

Are you sure amides (i.e. carboxylic acid derivatives) are so insoluble.......?

Explanation:

#"Acetamide"#, #H_2N(O=)C-CH_3# has an aqueous solubility of #2000*g*L^-1#....Because it is a primary amide, with a very short hydrocarbyl tail, this solubility may be rationalized. As the hydrocarbyl tale gets longer we would expect a decrease in solubility. However, the case in point is very water-soluble, inasmuch as it can engage in hydrogen-bonding with the water solvent.

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