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Intensified Azeotropic Distillation: A Strategy for Optimizing Direct Amidation

Direct synthesis of amides from their corresponding carboxylic acids and amines has been identified as the top priority for green chemistry research by the pharmaceutical industry. To date reseearchers have striven to find a better catalyst. This work approaches the problem from a completely different and new perspective: intensified azeotropic distillation (IAD). Using this essentially chemical engineering approach conversion has been considerably enhanced and exceeded the performance of catalysts alone. The combined effect of catalyst and IAD now offer a means to make amides in a far greener and more sustainable way. IAD may be applicable to all condensation reactions.