Amide hydrolysis

Amide hydrolysis involves the C-N bond being broken in reaction with water (hydrolysis). The reaction is catalysed by either acid or alkali.

Procedure:

The amide is heated under reflux with moderately concentrated acqueous acid or alkali. If an acid is used, the product contains Ammonia ions. If a alkali is used, the carboxylic acid loses an H⁺ ion and the product contains carboxylate ions.