About Acetamide
Acetamide (systematic name: ethanamide) is an organic compound with the formula CH₃CONH₂. It is the simplest amide derived from acetic acid. It finds some use as a plasticizer and as an industrial solvent.
Chemical Properties
| IUPAC Name | Ethanamide |
| Molecular Formula | CH₃CONH₂ (C₂H₅NO) |
| Molar Mass | 59.068 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless, hygroscopic solid |
| Melting Point | 79–81 °C |
| Boiling Point | 221.2 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water |
| CAS Number | 60-35-5 |
Applications
Acetamide is used as a co-monomer in the production of polymeric materials, as a plasticizer, and as a solvent in various industrial processes. It is also used in organic synthesis as a starting material for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Related Compounds
As the simplest amide, acetamide is closely related to other important organic compounds including formamide (HCONH₂), propionamide (C₂H₅CONH₂), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH). The amide functional group (–CONH₂) is also central to the chemistry of proteins and peptides.
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