Iodide-catalyzed amide synthesis from alcohols and amines

An efficient method to prepare amides by a cascade strategy was developed. Using nBu(4)NI or NaI as the catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant, various alcohols reacted with N-hydroxysuccinimide or N-hydroxyphthalimide affording corresponding active esters in moderate to good yield. The resulting active esters were converted into amides smoothly in one pot.