Direct preparation of primary amides from carboxylic acids and urea using imidazole under microwave irradiation

A very simple and efficient solvent-free procedure for the preparation of primary amides is described from carboxylic acids and urea using imidazole under microwave irradiation. Various aliphatic and aromatic primary amides were prepared in good yields by this direct amidation method. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.