Candida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed synthesis of acetamides using [BMIm(PF6)] as a reaction medium

An efficient protocol has been developed for synthesis of acetamides using Candida antarctica lipase B (CaL B) in [BMIm(PF6)] as a greener reaction medium. The reaction is applicable to a wide variety of aliphatic esters/acetic acid and amines providing excellent yields of corresponding acetamide. The catalyst exhibits remarkable activity and is reusable for up to four consecutive cycles.