Learn about the amide functional group, its structure, reactivity with Orbit molecular models to make amide chemistry easy to visualize.
Amides are an essential functional group in both organic chemistry and biochemistry, linking carboxylic acids to amines through a carbon–nitrogen bond. They are central to peptide bonds in proteins, making them a core focus for biology, medicine, and nursing students, while also being studied for their synthetic and industrial applications in chemistry. Amide molecular models help students visualize molecular geometry, understand resonance stabilization, and connect structure to biological function. Whether preparing for the MCAT, studying organic synthesis, or examining protein structure, understanding the role of amides is important.
Indigo Instruments has held inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) atoms & bonds for 30+ years. These parts are compatible with every molecular model set we have sold since day 1. This quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
Compound | Chemistry Use Case | Biology / Medicine Relevance |
---|---|---|
Acetamide | Simplest amide structure, used to teach resonance stabilization and hydrogen bonding; comparison with esters to illustrate C=O reactivity differences. | Occasionally present in metabolic intermediates; useful for illustrating solubility and low toxicity of small amides. |
Formamide | Smallest amide; key for studying intermolecular hydrogen bonding and polar aprotic solvent behavior. | Used experimentally in denaturing nucleic acids; relevance in lab safety due to toxicity. |
Urea | Resonance and delocalization; role in nitrogen cycle chemistry; example of a symmetrical diamide. | Central to mammalian nitrogen excretion; medical importance in kidney function tests and dialysis. |
Peptide bonds (general) | Model for step-growth polymerization and condensation reactions; central example in biopolymers. | Fundamental linkage in proteins; understanding peptide bond planarity critical for protein folding and enzyme specificity. |
Nylon-6,6 | Example of industrial polyamide synthesis from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid; teaches step-growth polymerization mechanisms. | Relevance in biomedical applications (e.g., surgical sutures, tissue scaffolds). |
Penicillin G | Demonstrates lactam ring strain and reactivity; application of amide chemistry to pharmaceuticals. | Antibiotic mechanism involving inhibition of bacterial transpeptidase; clinical importance in treating bacterial infections. |
Lidocaine | Example of tertiary amide; discussion of electronic effects on hydrolysis resistance. | Local anesthetic mechanism involving sodium channel blockade; used in dentistry and minor surgery. |
Every Orbit molecular model set sold by Indigo Instruments is fully compatible with others you might own. You can replenish any set or customize it with Genuine Cochranes of Oxford Orbit Atoms.
I've had consistently great service from this company. Our students seem to really appreciate the reasonable price. In the years that we've used this product, not one has been returned due to defects.
Considering how many of these we sell to schools every year, that is high praise indeed. Thanks letting us know.