Direct aminolysis of nonactivated and thermally unstable esters at high pressure

The preparation of the amides 3 from a wide variety of nonactivated esters 1 and secondary amines 2 has been achieved at 8 kbar and around 45°C; scope and limitations are discussed. The method was also successfully applied for the aminolysis of alkyl 2‐arylsulfinylacetates 7 that are relatively sensitive to heat.