Catalytic Acylation of Amines with Aldehydes or Aldoximes

The simple nickel salt NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O catalyzes the coupling of aldoximes with amines to give secondary or tertiary amide products. The aldoxime can be prepared in situ from the corresponding aldehyde. The use of O-18-labeled oximes has allowed insight into the mechanism of this reaction.