N,N',N'',N'''-Tetramethyl tetra-2,3-pyridinoporphyrazinato copper(II) methyl sulfate ([Cu(2,3-tmtppa)](MeSO4)4) efficiently catalyzed the direct conversion of nitriles to N-substituted amides. The one pot selective synthesis of the N-substituted amides from nitriles and primary amines was performed in refluxing H2O. The catalyst was recovered and reused at least four times, maintaining its efficiency.
[Cu(2,3-tmtppa)](MeSO4)4; N-substituted amide; nitrile; amine