An efficient and inexpensive synthesis of N-substituted amides from the Ritter reaction of nitriles with esters catalyzed by Fe(ClO4)3·H2O is described. Fe(ClO4)3·H2O is an economically efficient catalyst for the Ritter reaction under solvent-free conditions. Reactions of a range of esters (benzyl, sec-alkyl, and tert-butyl esters) with nitriles (primary, secondary, tertiary, and aryl nitriles) were performed to provide the corresponding amides in high to excellent yields.
A PCl3-mediated conversion of tert-butyl esters into esters and amides in one-pot under air is developed. This novel protocol is highlighted by the synthesis of skeletons of bioactive molecules and gram-scale reactions. Mechanistic studies revealed that this transformation involves the formation of an acid chloride in situ, which is followed by reactions with alcohols or amines to afford the desired products.
PCl3-mediated transesterification and aminolysis of tert-butyl esters via acid chloride formation