Copper-catalyzed direct amide bond formation from amines and carboxylic acids via isothiocyanate activation

Abstract

An efficient catalytic method for the direct synthesis of amides from non-activated carboxylic acids under mild conditions is described. Amines couple with isothiocyanates to form thiourea intermediates, followed by copper-mediated desulfurization to generate reactive carbodiimides in situ, which can rapidly combine with unactivated acids to form amides. The influence of the electronic effects of substituents on carbodiimides on reaction selectivity is discussed. This protocol exhibits broad functional group compatibility, is applicable to the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals and peptides, and provides a new approach for late-stage functionalization.

Graphical abstract: Copper-catalyzed direct amide bond formation from amines and carboxylic acids via isothiocyanate activation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
20 Jun 2025
Accepted
06 Aug 2025
First published
06 Aug 2025

Org. Biomol. Chem., 2025, Advance Article

Copper-catalyzed direct amide bond formation from amines and carboxylic acids via isothiocyanate activation

P. Zhong, K. Liu, F. Liao, B. Huang, M. Yang and J. Liu, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5OB01008J

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