What is "butyramide"

n. (context organic compound English) An amide of butyric acid

Butyramide is the amide of butyric acid. It has the molecular formula CHCONH. It is a white solid that freely soluble in water and ethanol, but slightly soluble in diethyl ether. At room temperature, butyramide is a crystalline solid and in contrast to butyric acid, it is devoid of unpleasant, rancid smell.

Can be synthesized by:

- catalytic hydration of butyronitrile;

- reaction of butyryl chloride with ammonium salts;

- reduction of butyraldoxime.

Some of its derivatives have shown preliminary strong anticonvulsive activity and inhibitory action on histone deacetylases, crucial enzymes controlling the proliferative or differentiation status of most cells.