Polymer‐anchored Ru(II) complex as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of primary amides from nitriles and of secondary amides from alcohols and amines

A polymer‐anchored ruthenium(II) catalyst was synthesized and characterized. Its catalytic activity was evaluated for the preparation of primary amides from aqueous hydration of nitriles in neutral condition. A range of nitriles were successfully converted to their corresponding amides in good to excellent yields. The catalyst was also effective in the preparation of secondary amides from the coupling of alcohols and amines. The catalyst can be facilely recovered and reused six times without a significant decrease in its activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.