An efficient synthesis of amides from alcohols and azides catalyzed by a bifunctional catalyst Au/DNA under mild conditions

Abstract

A novel Au/DNA-catalyzed amidation from alcohols and azides was developed under mild conditions. Taking advantage of the water-soluble reversibility of this catalyst, the transformation could be carried out smoothly in water and the catalyst could be recovered and reused by a simple phase separation. This amidation reaction unitized the hydrogen transfer process and the oxidative coupling process synergistically in an atom economical and environmentally benign synthesis.