A novel method for the one-pot conversion of carboxylic acids to N,N-dimethylamides

A simple, efficient, and new method has been developed for the preparation of N,N-dimethylamides from carboxylic acids. As described below, treatment of a variety of aromatic carboxylic acids with N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl imidazole or N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl chloride in the presence of a mixture of methanesulfonic acid/phosphorus pentoxide (2:1, v/w) proceeded effectively to afford the corresponding N,N-dimethylamides in moderate to good yields. This method is easy, rapid, and good yielding for the synthesis of N,N-dimethylamides from carboxylic acids.