Diphenylsilane as a coupling reagent for amide bond formation

A simple procedure for amide bond formation using diphenylsilane as a coupling reagent is described. This methodology enables the direct coupling of carboxylic acids with primary and secondary amines, releasing only hydrogen and a siloxane as by-products. Only one equivalent of each partner is needed, providing a more sustainable amidation method producing minimal wastes. This methodology was also extended to the synthesis of peptides and lactams by addition of Hunig's base (DIPEA) and 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine (DMAP).