What is the name of the functional group in amides?

The functional group in amides is characterized by the presence of the carbonyl group (C=O) directly adjacent to a nitrogen atom (N). Specifically, in the case of primary amides, this nitrogen is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, which can be represented as -CONH2. This unique structure distinguishes amides from other organic compounds.

The functional group plays a crucial role in the properties and reactivity of amides, influencing their behavior in various chemical reactions and interactions. Understanding this structure is vital when it's necessary to identify or synthesize amides in organic chemistry.

The other options represent different functional groups: -COOH refers to carboxylic acids, -OH denotes alcohols or phenols, and -C≡N indicates nitriles. Each of these has distinct characteristics and reactivity profiles that differ from those of amides.