Ru-catalyzed direct amidation of carboxylic acids with N-substituted formamides

The direct amidation of carboxylic acids with N-substituted formamides has been accomplished via ruthenium catalysis. A versatile range of carboxylic acids and N-substituted formamides undergoes amidation reaction to produce synthetically useful amides in good yields. CO in amide product came from benzoic acid but not N-substituted formamides, and which was confirmed by Isotope experiment.