Direct oxidative amidation of aldehydes with amines catalyzed by heteropolyanion-based ionic liquids under solvent-free conditions via a dual-catalysis process.

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of amides directly from aldehydes and amines catalyzed by heteropolyanion-based ionic liquids under solvent-free conditions has been reported. The practical protocol was found to tolerate a wide range of substrates with different functional groups. Moderate to excellent yields, solvent-free media, and operational simplicity are the main highlights. The proposed dual-catalysis mechanistic pathway was briefly investigated. Furthermore, the heteropolyanion-based ionic liquids were easily reusable for this oxidative amidation.