In chemistry,amide is referred to organic compounds that contain the functional group consisting of anacryl group (C=O) correlated with a nitrogen atom (N). The functional group of amides involve carbonyl group and amino groups. Amides are produced from a reaction of a carboxylic acid with anamine (NH3). The general formula for amides is RCONR'R'', where R, R', and R'' stand for alkyl groups or hydrogen.

Three simple amides are methanamide, ethanamide and propanamide. Methanamide is a liquid at room temperature whereas the other amides are solid. Ethanamides are colourless crystals. They always look wet since it pick up water from the surrounding and dissolves in it. Due to their capability of forming hydrogen bonds, the melting point of the amides is high for the molecules. Amides are less soluble compared to amines and carboxylic acids since these compounds can both donate and accept hydrogen bonds.

First, the carboxylic acid is converted to an ammonium salt. The reaction of ammonium carbonate and the excess of carboxylic acid yield the ammonium salts, which is further heated to produce amides. Hydrolysis is a reaction with water. The acid acts as a catalyst between the water and the amides when the amides are hydrolysed in the presence of dilute acids. Compared to amines, amides are very weak bases. Amides do not have clear evident acid-base properties in water.

Amides reactions are less for neutral carboxylic acid by-products. Amide can go through hydrolysis only to its parent carboxylic acid and the amine. Owing to their resonance stabilization, amides are less reactive under physiological conditions than esters. A concentration result of an aldehyde and an amide is considered to the useful class in polymeric supplies. These polymeric commodities are being produced by polymerizing an organic compound with any two labile hydrogens under the authority of a hafnium, zirconium or titanium halide. Best suited organic compounds with any two labile hydrogen atoms include aminoplasts, amides, polyhydroxy compounds, carboxylic acids, etc. The main object of this was to prepare a polymer constituent useful to create a metal modification of amide-aldehyde polymer products, which helps to minimize ecological pollution threats. Amide-aldehyde polymers are most favourably used as adhesives, in insulation materials and in laminates.

Amides are used as an anti-fogging, slip agent or as lubricant for plastic sheets, which is used in packing cuisine material. It is used to spread colours in dying or printing. It is used in fabric and paper industry for waterproof and as decay prevention in oil tanks. Amides also help in the production of surfactant and organic chemicals for the detergent, fabric softener, insecticide, emulsifier, lubricant, anti caking agent and water treatment.

Amides are widely used in the plastic, paper and rubber industries, and in treating sewage and water. They are also used in preparing colours such as crayons, inks and pencils. The two main amides used here are polyacrylamide and acryl amide. Polyacrylamide is used for the treating sewage and drinking water. Polycrylamide retains the colour pigments on the paper and works as binder. It becomes a coat on the household utensils and on the car parts. Acrylamide is used to prepare soaps, shaving lotions and hair products. In lower extent, it is also used for adhesives, latex thickening, printing inks and emulsion stabilizers.