A novel method for the conversion of carboxylic acids to N,N-dimethylamides using N,N-dimethylacetamide as a dimethylamine source

Abstract

A simple, cost effective and environmentally benign method is reported for the preparation of N,N-dimethylamides from carboxylic acids. The versatility of the method is determined by synthesising a large number of N,N-dimethylamide derivatives. Carboxylic acids are heated at 160-165°C in N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent in the presence of1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole to afford the corresponding N,N-dimethylamides in good to excellent yields.