Transamidation of primary amides with amines catalyzed by zirconocene dichloride

Zirconocene dichloride (Cp2ZrCl2) has been shown to be an effective catalyst for the transamidation of primary amides with amines in cyclohexane at 80 degrees C in 5-24 hours. For favourable substrates, the reaction can be performed at temperatures as low as 30 degrees C.