N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed amidation of aldehydes with amines via the tandem N-hydroxysuccinimide ester formation

A facile method for the amidation of aldehydes by a cascade approach was developed. This methodology, reported for the first time, uses a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as the catalyst, and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) mediated synthesis of amides utilising TBHP as the oxidant. Various substituted aldehydes reacted smoothly with NHS giving the corresponding active esters in moderate to good yields, which facilely converted into amides in one pot. In addition, the drug moclobemide was synthesized to represent the practical utility of the developed methodology.

Automated summary

A facile method for the amidation of aldehydes by a cascade approach has been developed using NHC as the catalyst and NHS as the mediator. The method utilizes TBHP as the oxidant. Various substituted aldehydes reacted smoothly with NHS to form active esters, which were easily converted into amides. The drug moclobemide was successfully synthesized using this methodology to demonstrate its practical utility.