A highly copper-catalysed amide exchange reaction of hexamethylenediamine (HDA) with CH3CN and H2O for the synthesis of hexamethylenebisacetamide (HMBA) without an organic solvent or gas protection was developed. 100% HDA conversion and >99% HMBA selectivity was obtained. X-ray diffraction, scanning emission microscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen were used to characterize the structural properties of the catalyst. The reaction mechanism was also investigated.
