The amide functionality is found in a wide variety of biological and synthetic structures such as proteins, polymers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Due to the fact that synthetic amides are still mainly produced by the aid of coupling reagents with poor atom-economy, the direct catalytic formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines has become a field of emerging importance. A general, efficient and selective catalytic method for this transformation would meet well with the increasing criterias for green 10 chemistry. This review covers catalytic and synthetically relevant methods for direct condensation of carboxylic acids and amines. A comprehensive overview of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic methods is presented, covering biocatalysis, Lewis acid catalysts based on boron and metals as well an assortment of other types of catalysts.

Hindered ethers represent an underexplored area of chemical space due to the difficulty and inoperability associated with conventional reactions, despite the high-value of such structural motifs in a variety of societal applications 1-2. For example, such motifs are highly coveted in medicinal chemistry, as extensive substitution about the ether bond prevents unwanted metabolic processes that can lead to rapid in vivo degradation. Demonstrated herein is an exceptionally simple solution to this problem that leverages the power of electrochemical oxidation to liberate *

Amidst the green: A green, mild and effective protocol for the direct formation of secondary and tertiary amides from non‐activated carboxylic acids and amines in good to excellent yields by employing ZrCl4 as the catalyst is presented (see scheme). The amide coupling protocol proved to be suitable for scaled up syntheses, and the mild reaction conditions conserve the enantiopurity of chiral starting materials.