Simple catalyst system involving boric acid and additives for the direct formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines

Abstract

State-of-the-art catalysts for the direct catalytic formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines are generally not active enough to be of broad industrial interest. After extensive screening, we identified additives that significantly increase the amidation reactivity of boric acid, a simple and inexpensive catalyst. The new catalytic system was shown to be effective on a variety of substrates. Compared to exisiting catalysts, it could be of interest for application on industrial scale because of its increased activity, simplicty and low cost.