An efficient process for the synthesis of cyclic amides

A process for the preparation of cyclic amides of Formula I:

• comprising the steps of
• a) Contacting a compound of Formula II with a hydroxylammonium salt, amphoteric metal oxide or amphoteric masked metal oxide and a base for in-situ preparation of corresponding compound of Formula X;
• b) removing water formed;
• and
• c) contacting the compound of Formula X with a rearrangement solvent and a metal salt formed insitu as a by-product during formation of the compound of Formula X to catalyse a rearrangement reaction resulting into formation of the cyclic amide Formula I;
• wherein n and m each are independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 and the sum of n+m is at least 2, and the compounds of Formula I and II have substituents R1, R2, R3 and R4,
• where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently of and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cyclo alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl and aromatic or non aromatic heterocycle, or
• R1, R2, R3 and R4 can be combined together to form a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or cycloaryl moiety, including bicyclic or heterocyclic moieties.