A convenient synthesis of <i>N</i>-<i>tert</i>-butyl amides by the reaction of di-<i>tert</i>-butyl dicarbonate and nitriles catalyzed by Cu(OTf)<sub>2</sub>
utility of Cu(OTf)2 as the catalyst for the synthesis of a series of N-tert-butyl amides in excellent isolated yields via the reaction of nitriles (alkyl, aryl, benzyl, and furyl nitriles) with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate is described. Cu(OTf)2 is a highly stable and efficient catalyst for the present Ritter reaction undersolvent-freeconditions at roomtemperature.
Ritter reactions of alcohols and tert-butyl acetate with various nitriles were performed using iodine as a mild and effective catalyst under heating conditions to afford the corresponding amides in good to excellent yields.