Metal-Free Direct Amidation of Nitroarenes with Carboxylic Acids

We report a facile, metal-free protocol for the direct amidation of readily available nitroarenes and carboxylic acids. The method proceeds via in situ activation of carboxylic acids, nitro-to-amine reduction, and subsequent C-N coupling to furnish the corresponding amide bond. This transformation exhibits broad functional group tolerance and delivers the desired amides in high yields. The method's applicability is showcased through the efficient synthesis of pharmaceutically and agrochemically important amide scaffolds and rapid derivatization of drug molecules containing carboxylic acid groups.