Reductive Amidation without an External Hydrogen Source Using Rhodium on Carbon Matrix as a Catalyst

Abstract An efficient method for preparation of secondary amides from primary amides and aldehydes using rhodium on carbon matrix as catalyst was developed. The method does not require any external hydrogen source and carbon monoxide is used as a reducing agent. The most active rhodium catalysts were characterized by BET, TEM and XPS techniques. Unexpectedly, it was found that heterogeneous rhodium on carbon matrix works as precatalyst for homogenous active species due to leaching of rhodium to the solution. Various secondary amides were synthesized and checked for antifungal activity. 4‐Methoxy‐N‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)benzamide demonstrated promising activity against Rhizoctonia Solani .