Preparation of amides mediated by isopropylmagnesium chloride under continuous flow conditions

A safe, green and functional-group-tolerant flow version of the direct amide bond formation mediated by Grignard reagents (the Bodroux reaction) is described. The procedure can be applied to a wide variety of primary and secondary amines and anilines, as well as to aromatic and aliphatic esters. The flow approach leads to improved yields and selectivities in the reaction, which has a sustainable purification procedure and a simple scale-up. This reaction represents an efficient and green alternative to the use of alkylaluminium and metal-catalyzed procedures.