Lactams are cyclic amides formed from molecules that contain carboxylic and amine groups. The reaction is carried out by heating in the absence of acid.
![lactam-synthesis sintesis-lactamas](/images/stories/organica-ii/acidos-carboxilicos/sintesis-lactamas/sintesis-lactamas-01.png)
The formation of lactams has the following mechanism:
Stage 1. Addition of the amino group to the carboxylic acid.
![lactam-synthesis sintesis-lactamas](/images/stories/organica-ii/acidos-carboxilicos/sintesis-lactamas/sintesis-lactamas-02.png)
Stage 2. Acid-base balance
![lactam-synthesis sintesis-lactamas](/images/stories/organica-ii/acidos-carboxilicos/sintesis-lactamas/sintesis-lactamas-03.png)
Stage 3. Water removal
![lactam-synthesis sintesis-lactamas](/images/stories/organica-ii/acidos-carboxilicos/sintesis-lactamas/sintesis-lactamas-04.png)