Synthesis of N-arylacetamides via amination of aryltriazenes with acetonitrile under metal-free and mild conditions

A transition-metal-free synthetic strategy has been developed for the synthesis of N -aryl amides. The present amination reaction of aryltriazenes with acetonitrile was carried out with acetonitrile as nitrogen donor, stable aryltriazenes as aryl precursors by the cleavage of C N bond, water as oxygen source, and Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) as potential promoter under ambient conditions. Remarkably, the practicality of this method was further proved through the reusability of the promoter BAILs. The environmentally benign nature, stable and readily available starting materials make the protocol more attractive for preparing N -aryl amides than traditional methods.