| abstract |
A process for obtaining an amide of the general formula R-(CO)-NH-CH2-X involves contacting a nitrile of the general formula R-CN with: a) an acid; and c) an alkoxy-containing compound comprising at least one alkoxy functionality of the general formula OCH2-X; wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, or heterocyclic substituent, which substituents can be substituted or unsubstituted; wherein X is hydrogen or a radical having the general formula CHR1R2; and wherein R?1 and R2¿ independently or collectively represent hydrogen or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, or heterocyclic substituent, or any combination thereof, which substituents can be substituted or unsubstituted. Moreover, the inventive process can involve other similar reactions, for example, at least one nitrile can be reacted with a reagent comprising both (i) at least one suitable alkoxy functionality; and (ii) at least one suitable acid functionality. |