We describe an iron-catalyzed amide bond formation from readily available carboxylic acids and isocyanates. This method utilizes an abundant and biocompatible iron catalyst and easily accessible starting materials, generates CO₂ as the only byproduct, and features broad substrate scopes with good functional group compatibility.

Comprehensive Summary

We describe an iron-catalyzed amide bond formation from readily available carboxylic acids and isocyanates. This method utilizes an abundant and biocompatible iron catalyst and easily accessible starting materials, generates CO₂ as the only byproduct, and features broad substrate scopes with good functional group compatibility. Therefore, it provides a cost-effective and practical protocol to access a diverse variety of amides.