The reaction of a nitrile with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid forms a secondary amide. This reaction is known as the Ritter reaction. 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 a primary amide?

Transcribed Image Text:

RC-N + RO the Ritter reaction