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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Acetamide and Benzamide?

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Acetamide and benzamide are organic compounds containing an amide functional group. The key difference between acetamide and benzamide is the substituent attached to the amide group:

  • Acetamide: It has a methyl group attached to the amide group and has the chemical formula CH3CONH2. Acetamide can be produced from ammonium acetate via a dehydration reaction and is used as a plasticizer and as an industrial solvent.
  • Benzamide: It has a benzene ring attached to the amide group and has the chemical formula C7H7NO. Benzamide can be prepared by mixing benzonitrile with sulfuric acid and is used as a chemical intermediate.

The molecular mass of benzamide is greater than that of acetamide, resulting in benzamide having stronger intermolecular forces and a higher melting point. In terms of basicity, acetamide is more basic than benzamide.

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  • What is the Difference Between Acetamide and Benzamide?
  • Comparative Table: Acetamide vs Benzamide

    • Comparative Table: Acetamide vs Benzamide

    The key difference between acetamide and benzamide lies in the structural composition of these two organic compounds. Here is a comparison of their properties:

    Property Acetamide Benzamide
    Chemical Formula CH3CONH2 C7H7NO
    Molar Mass 59 g/mol 121.1 g/mol
    Structure Contains a methyl group attached to the amide group Contains a benzene ring attached to the amide group
    Derivation Derived from acetic acid Derived from ammonium acetate via a dehydration reaction
    Applications Benzamide derivatives have applications in the pharmaceutical industry due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardiovascular properties Acetamide is used as a plasticizer in the production of polyamides

    In terms of basicity, acetamide is actually more basic than benzamide.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.