Facile direct synthesis of amides from trichloroethyl esters using catalytic DBU

A practical method for the direct synthesis of amide compounds is described. Using small quantities of DBU as a catalyst, the direct conversion of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl esters to their corresponding amides was readily achieved. Based on this protocol, various amide compounds were successfully synthesized in high yield, suggesting a promising approach for the practical one-pot aminolysis from 2,2,2-trichloroethyl protected esters.