Synthesis of amides through the Cannizzaro-type reaction catalyzed by lanthanide chlorides

Amidation of aldehydes with lithium amides through the LnCl3-catalyzed Cannizzaro-type reactions afforded a variety of amides in high yields. The electronic and steric effects on the reaction were investigated. The features of the economical catalysts, high yields, tolerance of a wide range of lithium amides and aromatic aldehydes make this methodology an easy and valid contribution to the direct synthesis of amides from aldehydes.