Amidation of esters assisted by Mg(OCH3)2 or CaCl2

Magnesium methoxide (Mg(OCH3)2) and calcium chloride have been shown to facilitate the direct aminolysis of esters by ammonia to primary amides. Methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and tert-butyl esters were converted to the corresponding carboxamides in good yields. Reactions have been run on a larger scale and without the safety liability inherent in the use of magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). Ammonium chloride and amine hydrochlorides have been used successfully in the place of ammonia with magnesium methoxide.