Iodine‐Catalyzed Formation of Amide Bond: Efficient Strategy for the Synthesis of Aromatic Primary Amides

A practical and efficient methodology for the synthesis of aromatic primary amides by reaction of benzylic alcohols and aqueous ammonia in the presence of an I 2 /TBHP system in acetonitrile was developed. This oxidative amidation proceeded smoothly at ambient temperature and tolerated a variety of functional groups. A wide range of aromatic primary amides were obtained in moderate to high yields. Preliminary kinetic studies and a possible mechanism of the oxidative amidation reaction were also discussed.