Cu(OTf)2-catalysed Ritter reaction: efficient synthesis of amides from nitriles and halohydrocarbons in water

Abstract

An efficient and green protocol for the synthesis of amides through the Ritter reaction of nitriles and halohydrocarbons was developed. Cu(OTf)₂ economically efficiently catalysed the Ritter reaction in water. A range of halohydrocarbons (benzyl, tert-butyl, sec-alkyl and primary alkyl halohydrocarbons) were coupled with nitriles, providing the corresponding amides.