Desulfonation-associated direct amide bond formation between N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with carboxylic acids

We have developed a highly N²-regioselective method for direct construction of amide bond from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and carboxylic acids in the presence of bases at 60 °C in air. The developed reaction provides the corresponding products with high yields (up to 90 %) and a broad substrate compatibility including aryl acids, heterocyclic acids, and alkyl acids. Mechanistic studies show that the reaction proceeds through a direct nucleophilic attack of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles to carboxylate anions via a base- and water-involved synergistic desulfonation process. This work presents an unusual water-involved example for direct synthesis of amides utilizing readily available starting materials under mild conditions.