Amides are less reactive than are esters due to the fact that nitrogen is more willing to donate its electrons than is oxygen. As a result, the partial positive character of the carbonyl carbon is smaller in amides than in esters, making this system less electrophilic.

Why are amides not reactive?

Amides are the most stable, and the least reactive, because nitrogen is an effective donor of electrons to the carbonyl group. Anhydrides and esters are somewhat less stable, because oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen and is a less effective donor of electrons.

Why are amines more reactive than amides?

The lone pair of electrons on the amine are more available to accept a proton and act as a base. This is because in amides, the carbonyl (C=O) group is highly electronegative, so has a greater power to draw electrons towards it, making the lone pair of the amide nitrogen less availble to accept a proton.