Amides

Amides are a type of chemical compound formed when a carbon atom is bonded to a nitrogen atom through a carbonyl group (a carbon double-bonded to oxygen). They are common in nature and industry, notably making up the structure of proteins (as part of amino acids) and synthetic materials like nylon. In essence, amides are stable, nitrogen-containing molecules characterized by this specific bonding pattern, which gives them unique properties such as resistance to heat and chemical reactions, making them essential in biological systems and manufacturing processes.