Efficient dehydrative C–N bond formation using alcohols and amides in the presence of silica supported perchloric acid as a heterogeneous catalyst

Silica supported perchloric acid has been utilized as an efficient heterogeneous recyclable catalyst for N-alkylation of amides (sulfonamides and carboxamides) using alcohols (primary and secondary aliphatic as well as benzylic). The products are formed in high yields within 2–3 h.