This project aimed to find a greener method of directly synthesizing amides from amines and carboxylic acids. Typical amide preparations utilize hazardous reactants and derivatives. To improve this method we adopted a published procedure (Green Chem., 2015, 17, 3157-3163) to directly prepare N-benzylbenzamide directly from benzoic acid and benzylamine using microwave irradiation on silica gel as a solid support. This method improves the atom economy, reduces waste, and eliminates unnecessary derivatization while demonstrating the use of safer reagents, catalysis, and reduced energy. Student laboratory techniques include use of solid support for reaction, microwave reactor, rotary evaporation, sonication, extraction, washing, and purification. All of the above are accomplished within the guidelines of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.

Microwave-assisted direct amidation: A green chemistry laboratory preparation

251st National Meeting (2016)

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