Aliphatic and aromatic primary and secondary amines undergo acylation, a nucleophilic substitution reaction with acid chlorides, anhydrides, and esters. The products of acylation reactions are known as amides.
Describe the acylation reaction involving amines, and what are the products obtained from this reaction?
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The acylation reaction involving amines entails the addition of an acyl group (RCO-) to the nitrogen atom of the amine. This reaction is commonly achieved using acyl halides or anhydrides as acylating agents. The nucleophilic nitrogen attacks the electrophilic carbon of the acyl group, resulting in the substitution of the acyl group for a hydrogen on the nitrogen. The products obtained are amides, with the general formula RCONHâ‚‚, where R represents the alkyl or aryl group from the acylating agent. This reaction is fundamental in the synthesis of amides, essential compounds in organic chemistry.