One-pot synthesis of N-tert-butyl amides from alcohols, ethers and esters using ZnCl2/SiO2 as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst

ZnCl2/SiO2 has been found to be an efficient and reusable catalyst for conversion of alcohols, ethers and esters to corresponding amides via the Ritter reaction in high yield. It was found that benzonitrile reacted with tert-butyl acetate faster than the other sources of tert-butyl carbocation.