NbCl5-mediated amidation of olefins with nitriles to secondary amides

• Amidation of alkenes with nitriles that avoids the use of strong Bronsted acid.
• A novel NbCl5-mediated transformation to secondary amides.
• A practical route to amides from simple alkenes and nitriles.

NbCl5-mediated amidation of olefins with nitriles was successfully achieved. Various aliphatic, cyclic, and aromatic olefins, and various aliphatic and aromatic nitriles were used in this reaction to give secondary amides in high yields.

NbCl5-mediated amidation of olefins with nitriles was successfully achieved to give secondary amides in high yields.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide