Synthesis of N-Benzhydrylamides from Nitriles by Ritter Reactions in Formic Acid

Abstract

Benzhydrol reacts with nitriles in refluxing formic acid to produce amides arising from the Ritter reaction. This reaction does not require a strong acid catalyst, and the products are isolated without the need for chromatography. The conditions permit the preparation of acrylamides and methacrylamides without polymerization of the nitrile.

Key Words

Ritter reaction - alcohols - carboxylic acids - nitriles - amides

References

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Gullickson, G. C.; Lewis, D. E. Aust. J. Chem., 2003, 56, accepted for publication.