One-pot synthesis of N-tert-butyl amides from alcohols, ethers and esters using ZnCl2/SiO2 as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst

ZnCl2/SiO2 has been found to be an efficient and reusable catalyst for conversion of alcohols, ethers and esters to corresponding amides via the Ritter reaction in high yield. It was found that benzonitrile reacted with tert-butyl acetate faster than the other sources of tert-butyl carbocation.

Graphical abstractZnCl2/SiO2 has been found to be as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the conversion of alcohols, ethers and esters to amides via the Ritter reaction in high yield.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (97 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► ZnCl2/SiO2 as a heterogeneous catalyst promotes efficiently the Ritter reaction. ► Scope and generality of the method is obvious for high yielding conversion of alcohols, ethers and esters to amides. ► The catalyst is recyclable. ► Benzonitrile reacted with tert-butyl acetate faster than the other sources of tert-butyl carbocation in the presence of silzic.