Amide hydrolysis

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

Procedure:

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