An unconventional method for synthesizing amides via transamidation of secondary carboxamides, followed by C–N bond activation, is presented. This newly developed process enables the efficient synthesis of highly substituted secondary and tertiary amides. In this work, we introduce a metal-free, catalyst-free, and environmentally friendly synthesis of amides, using Ts-protected secondary carboxamides in combination with amines. This method provides a wide range of substrate compatibility, excellent functional group tolerance, and uses visible light as a renewable energy source. Additionally, it is scalable to gram quantities, offering an eco-friendly and efficient alternative for amide synthesis.
Singh et al. (2026) studied this question.