The traditional synthesis of amides from carboxylic acids is wasteful and involves the use of hazardous reagents. Some textbooks suggest that direct amidation is not a viable option. An alternative approach involves the use of a microwave reactor to convert the acid salt to an amide using urea and benzimidazole. This synthesis is considered greener because it is single-step, solvent-free and uses safer reagents than the typical synthesis. This simple green chemistry procedure is appropriate for the undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory equipped with a microwave reactor.

Direct amidation of carboxylic acids via microwave-assisted synthesis: Greener organic laboratory options

249th National Meeting (2015)

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