Synthesis 2003(2): 0272-0276
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-36823
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Niobium Pentachloride Promoted Conversion of Carboxylic Acids to Carboxamides­: Synthesis of the 4-Aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloid­ Structures

Marcelo S. Nery, Renata P. Ribeiro, Claudio C. Lopes*, Rosangela S. C. Lopes*
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Analítica, CT, , Bl. A, 5° andar, s-508, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP-21949 900, Brazil
Fax: +55(21)25627854; e-Mail: iqg02022@acd.ufrj.br;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 21 November 2001
Publication Date:
22 January 2003 (online)

Abstract

A practical method for the conversion of carboxylic acids to the corresponding carboxamides mediated by niobium pentachloride under mild conditions is described. The synthesis of the 4-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid structures was accomplished via benzylic lithiation of N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-2-(4′-methoxybenzyl)benzamide.

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Niobium pentachloride with purity >99% was a gift kindly provided by the Brazilian Company of Metallurgy and Mines (CBMM) Araxá city Minas Gerais state Brazil.