What is the Difference Between Ethanamide and Methylamine?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Ethanamide and methylamine are both important nitrogen-containing organic compounds, but they have distinct differences:

  1. Structure and classification: Ethanamide, also known as acetamide, is a simple amide with the chemical formula CH3CONH2, while methylamine is a simple amine with the chemical formula CH3NH2.
  2. Amide vs. amine: Ethanamide is an amide, meaning it has a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to the nitrogen atom, while methylamine is an amine, meaning it has a hydrogen atom bonded to the nitrogen atom.
  3. Basicity: Ethanamide is neutral to litmus and has virtually no basic character, while methylamine behaves as a weak base due to its amine group.
  4. Preparation: Ethanamide can be prepared by the dehydration of ammonium acetate, while methylamine can be prepared by the reduction of ammonia.

In summary, ethanamide and methylamine differ in their molecular structure, classification, basicity, and preparation methods. Ethanamide is a simple amide with the chemical formula CH3CONH2, while methylamine is a simple amine with the chemical formula CH3NH2.

Comparative Table: Ethanamide vs Methylamine

Ethanamide and methylamine are both nitrogen-containing organic compounds, but they have different structures and properties. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Property Ethanamide Methylamine
Chemical Formula CH3CONH2 CH3NH2
Type of Compound Amide Amine
Description A simple amide occurring as a colorless solid A simple amine occurring as a colorless and hygroscopic solid compound
Preparation Derived from acetic acid, formed as an intermediate compound between acetone and urea Can be prepared by the dehydration of ammonium acetate
Structure Contains two methyl groups attached to a C=O center Contains a C=O center with two amide groups
Boiling Point Similar to hydrocarbons of the same molecular weight Not provided
Reactivity Can be reduced to primary amines by reaction with lithium tetrahydridoaluminate, LiAlH4, in dry ether (ethoxyethane) at room temperature Not provided
Base Strength Not provided Stronger base than ammonia due to the presence of a methyl group, which donates electrons

Ethanamide, also known as acetamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CONH2 and is the simplest amide compound. Methylamine, on the other hand, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3NH2 and is a simple amine.