DIBAL–H–H2NR and DIBAL–H–HNR1R2·HCl complexes for efficient conversion of lactones and esters to amides

The reaction of a lactone or an ester with organoaluminum species generated from DIBAL–H–H2NR or DIBAL–H–HNR1R2·HCl complexes provided efficient methods for preparation of amides. Conditions were defined for the preparation of both secondary and tertiary amides, including Weinreb amides in excellent yields.