What functional group is characteristic of amides?

Amides are characterized by the presence of the functional group -CONH2. This specific structure consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom that is also attached to two hydrogen atoms. The arrangement of the carbonyl and the nitrogen is what distinctly defines an amide.

The carbonyl (C=O) is important because it provides the reactivity typical of amides, making them behave differently from other types of amines or carboxylic acids. In the context of organic chemistry, recognizing this functional group is essential for understanding the properties and reactions of amides compared to other functional groups.