21. Constitutional Isomers for C₂H₅NO (Amide Group)
The molecular formula C₂H₅NO indicates that we are dealing with an amide group derived from a two-carbon structure. The two constitutional isomers for C₂H₅NO, specifically in the context of amides, are:
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Ethylamide (N-ethylacetamide): This is the simplest amide, where the amide nitrogen is bonded to an ethyl group (–C₂H₅) and directly bonded to a carbonyl group (CO), making it:
- Structure:
O || C / \
- Structure:
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Acetamide (Ethanamide): In this isomer, the amide nitrogen is bonded to a methyl group and an ethyl group. The structure looks like this:
- Structure:
O || C / \
- Structure:
22. Solubility of Amine Groups (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Amides)
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Primary Amides (RCONH₂): Generally have good solubility in water due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The presence of the amine group (-NH₂) allows for strong hydrogen bonding.
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Secondary Amides (RCONHR'): Also tend to be soluble in water, though they may have somewhat lower solubility compared to primary amides. They can still participate in hydrogen bonding effectively, though they may have increased hydrophobic character due to the presence of additional alkyl groups (R').
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Tertiary Amides (RCONR'R"): These amides might have reduced water solubility compared to primary and secondary amides due to the absence of a hydrogen atom directly bonded to the nitrogen, which limits hydrogen bonding capability. However, larger or polar substituents may enhance solubility in some cases.
In general, the trend is that primary and secondary amides are more soluble in water than tertiary amides, with solubility decreasing with increasing alkyl branching or size.