Peroxide-mediated transition-metal-free direct amidation of alcohols with nitroarenes.

An unusual direct amidation of alcohols with nitroarenes mediated by peroxides has been discovered. The reaction tolerated a wide range of functionalities, and various aromatic amides were obtained in moderate to good yields in the absence of transition-metal catalyst. The peroxides and solvents had a significant impact on the reaction yield.