Green transamidation catalysed by graphene oxide under concentrated solar irradiation

The amide linkage is a backbone of many organic molecules such as peptides, natural products, pharmaceutical agents, ligands and catalysts. Green synthesis of amides is a major challenge in the context of sustainable development. Here we designed transamidation catalysed by graphene oxide under concentrated solar radiation of various aromatic, aliphatic amides with amines under solvent-free conditions, in 52–98% yield. During the reaction, oxygenated groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl and epoxy provide acidity to the graphene oxide catalyst. Concentrated solar irradiation is more efficient than conventional methods in terms of reaction time and energy consumption, with about 90% energy saved.