Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Aerobic amide bond formation with N-hydroxysuccinimide
1Department of Chemistry and School for Green Chemistry and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
This study presents a new aerobic oxidative amide formation method using molecular oxygen. The efficient process works with chiral molecules, preserving their optical purity using cobalt catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Molecular oxygen is an abundant, atom-efficient, and economical oxidant.
- Amide formation is a fundamental transformation in organic synthesis.
- Developing sustainable and efficient synthetic methods is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel aerobic oxidative amide formation reaction.
- To utilize molecular oxygen as a green oxidant for amide synthesis.
- To develop a catalytic system for efficient amide bond formation.
Main Methods:
- Employing a catalytic amount of cobalt(II) acetate (Co(OAc)2).
- Using N-hydroxysuccinimide as a reaction promoter.
- Conducting the reaction under aerobic conditions with aldehydes and amines.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of amides from aldehydes and amines using O2.
- The reaction proceeds efficiently with catalytic Co(OAc)2 and N-hydroxysuccinimide.
- Chiral substrates can be used without compromising their optical purity.
Conclusions:
- A new, sustainable method for aerobic oxidative amide formation has been developed.
- The catalytic system is effective and preserves stereochemistry.
- This method offers an economical and atom-efficient route to amides.
Related Concept Videos
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine Formation Mechanism
Imines are formed under mildly acidic conditions. A pH of 4.5 is ideal for the reaction.
If the pH is low or the solution is too acidic, the reaction slows down in the...
Preparation of Amides
The DCC-promoted synthesis of amides begins with the protonation of DCC by carboxylic acid. The protonation makes it a better acceptor. Next, the addition of carboxylate to the protonated carbodiimide gives a reactive acylating agent.
Subsequently, the amine acts as a nucleophile that attacks the acylating agent to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the...
Amides to Carboxylic Acids: Hydrolysis
Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis:
Hydrolysis of amides under acidic conditions yields carboxylic acids. Since the reaction occurs slowly, hydrolysis requires the conditions of heat.
The mechanism begins with the protonation of the carbonyl oxygen by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the amide carbonyl carbon more...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine and Enamine Formation Overview
Acid Halides to Amides: Aminolysis
In the first step of the aminolysis mechanism, the amine attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acyl chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the second step, the carbonyl group is re-formed with the elimination of a chloride...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Enamine Formation Mechanism
![Microwave-assisted One-pot Synthesis of N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F2755.jpg&w=3840&q=50)