Mo(VI)-catalyzed conversion of nitriles to amides with hydrogen peroxide in ethanol.

A method for the preparation of primary amides from nitriles using hydrogen peroxide and a catalytic amount of sodium molybdate in ethanol is described. Using this method, nitriles including aromatic nitriles, aromatic heterocyclic nitriles and aliphatic nitriles were converted into the corresponding amides in moderate to high yields. Electronic and steric effects of substituent have a significant effect on the reactivity of nitrile, nitriles with electron-withdrawing group at the para or meta position show high reactivities and they can be converted into the corresponding amide in good to high yield at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]