Accessing the amide functionality by the mild and low-cost oxidation of imine

Oxidation of imines using sodium chlorite under buffered conditions gave the corresponding amides in good to high yield. The reaction was generally fast and was completed within 5-40 min. As has been established in the corresponding oxidation of aldehyde, so-called Pinnick oxidation, the good functional group tolerance and the use of inexpensive reagents are the advantages of this protocol. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.