Ultrasound-assisted catalytic synthesis of acyclic imides in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

A rapid and convenient preparation of acyclic imides by the reaction of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles with acyclic carboxylic anhydride in the presence of catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid under thermal or ultrasonic conditions is reported. The advantages of this procedure are moderate reaction times, good to excellent yields, and use of an inexpensive and ecofriendly catalyst. The reaction of nitriles with aliphatic anhydrides proceeds under thermal conditions, while they are accelerated by the use of ultrasound irradiation. © 2012 Copyright (CC) SCS.