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, the Hofmann degradation of amides to make primary amines with one less carbon atom, and the reduction of amides.
Polyamides . . .
A summary of the chemistry of simple polyamides like nylon and Kevlar, including their formation, structure, hydrolysis and uses.