Which of the following compounds is an amide?

• A. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$ (acetic acid)
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CONH}{2}_{}$ (acetamide)
• C. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$ (acetaldehyde)
• D. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CH}{2}_{}\mathrm{OH}$ (ethanol)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups present in each compound by analyzing their molecular formulas and structures.
2. Recall that an amide functional group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) directly bonded to a nitrogen atom (N), typically represented as -CONH2, -CONHR, or -CONR2.
3. Examine acetic acid (CH\_3COOH): it contains a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), not an amide.
4. Examine acetamide (CH\_3CONH\_2): it contains a carbonyl group bonded directly to an NH2 group, fitting the amide functional group definition.
5. Confirm that acetaldehyde (CH\_3CHO) is an aldehyde (carbonyl bonded to hydrogen) and ethanol (CH\_3CH\_2OH) is an alcohol (contains -OH), so neither are amides.