Abstract

Acetamide, C₂H₅NO, mol wt 59.07, is a white, odorless, hygroscopic solid derived from acetic acid and ammonia. The melt is a solvent for organic substances; it is used in electrochemistry and organic synthesis. Most commercial routes for the production of acetamide involve dehydration of ammonium acetate. Acetamide has been used experimentally as a source of nonprotein nitrogen for sheep and dairy cattle. It suppresses acid buildup in printing inks, lacquers, and perfumes, is a mild moisturizer, and is used as a softener for leather, textiles, and certain plastics.