"The amides are the least reactive of the carboxylic acid derivatives, in part because they are strongly stabilized by delocalization of the nitrogen lone pair (...) As a consequence, their nucleophilic addition – eliminations require relatively harsh conditions. For example, hydrolysis to the corresponding carboxylic acid occurs only upon prolonged heating in strong aqueous acid or base by addition – elimination mechanisms. Acid hydrolysis liberates the amine in the form of an ammonium salt."