Novel methodology for the formation of amide bonds under neutral conditions is described. Evidence is presented that the active acyl donors are thio FCMA intermediates, generated from the reactions of thioacids with isonitriles.Following explorations into the chemistry of isonitriles, 1 we were recently able to develop a new line of methodology which we consolidate in the expression, two-component coupling (2CC). 2 The 2CC progression presumably commences via the reaction of an isonitrile (2) with a carboxylic acid (1), thereby generating a formimidate carboxylate mixed anhydride (3). 3 For ease of communication, we refer to such a structure as a "FCMA". While no FCMA has been fully characterized, Rebek has brought to bear impressive evidence as to their existence 4 in special settings. It seems that under the usual reaction conditions, the oxy FCMA (3) is produced slowly and is disfavored at equilibrium. However, at higher temperatures under microwave mediation, the oxy FCMA, as its Z stereoisomer (3-Z), apparently undergoes a 1,3-O→N acyl transfer to generate an N-formylamide (4), 2b the end point of the 2CC reaction.In the short time since its discovery, the 2CC reaction has been adapted to the generation of a variety of biology related structures including secondary and tertiary amides and is already a valuable resource in the increasingly important field of chemoglycobiology. 5 In probing the matter further, it was discovered that the overall thio counterpart of the 2CC reaction, unlike the oxa version, occurs at room temperature. 2d,6 The throughput of thio FCMA (6) intermediates generated from reactions of 2 with thioacids (5), 7 is much greater than is the case for their oxy FCMA (3) counterparts. Moreover, the corresponding S→N rearrangement (see 6→7) is far more rapid than is its oxy counterpart (3→4 The value of the above described 2CC and thio 2CC chemistry was much enhanced as we learned how to synthesize, often for the first time, high value added isonitriles. 2f Application of the 2CC chemistry to merge "valuable" acids (as well as thioacids) with "valuable" isonitriles, provides access to useful peptide and glycopeptide substructural motifs. 2a-cEarlier we had considered the possibility of exploiting oxy FCMA intermediates (3) as potential bimolecular acylating agents (see 3 + NuH→8). 2d,e For such a prospectus to be feasible, bimolecular acylation had to dominate over monomolecular 1,3-O→N acyl transfer (leading to 4). In our initial reaction survey, conducted at room temperature, interdiction was, indeed, faster than 1,3 O→N intramolecular acyl transfer (i.e. 8 dominates over 4). However in the oxyacid experiments, the interdiction leading to 8 was quite slow and inefficient. 2b As the temperature was raised, the apparent rates of intramolecular 1,3-O→N acyl transfer become competitive with interdiction and a mixture of products ensued. Accordingly, attempts at efficient bimolecular acylation via oxy FCMA intermediates (3) were frustrated. Thus in our current modalities, the ultima...