Efficient synthesis of amides from secondary alcohols and CHCN promoted by Fe(NO)·9HO.

The Ritter reaction is the most attractive method for synthesizing amides, and various acids have been used to promote this reaction. Compared to these acids, Fe(NO)·9HO is less toxic and costly, and it shows relatively high Lewis acidity and great catalytic activity. In this study, a simple and efficient protocol involving Fe(NO)·9HO as an additive for the synthesis of amides was developed.