RuCl3-promoted amide formation from azides and thioacids

Described here is the Ru(III)-promoted amide formation from azides and thioacids, which were shown not to form amides at room temperature in the absence of ruthenium. We believe that a complex formed by Ru(III) increases the reactivity of the thiocarbonyl species and therefore reaction with azides occurs at room temperature, even when less reactive (electron rich and/or sterically hindered) azides are employed.