Question
The reaction of a nitrile with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid forms an N-substituted amide. This reaction, known as the Ritter reaction, does
not work with primary alcohols.
a. Propose a mechanism for the Ritter reaction.
b. Why does the Ritter reaction not work with primary alcohols?
c. How does the Ritter reaction differ from the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of a nitrile to form an amide?

Transcribed Image Text:HCI
RC=N + R'OH
R
the Ritter reaction
NHR'
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