A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Carboxamides and Thioesters by Using Tetrakis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)silane

Tetrakis(2-methylimidazol-l-yl)silane [Si(2-Me-Im) 4 ], a new dehydrating reagent having silicon-imidazole linkage, reacted readily with carboxylic acids at room temperature to form the corresponding 1-acyl-2-methylimidazole intermediates, which smoothly underwent subsequent condensation with nucleophiles such as amines or thiols to afford the corresponding carboxamides or thioesters in good to excellent yields, respectively.