Abstract Several 13-cis-retinamides were synthesized from 13-cis-retinoic acid via either 13- cis-retinoyl chloride or 13-cis-1-retinoylimidazole. All-trans-retinoylglycine was prepared from all-trans-retinoyl chloride and ethyl glycinate. Detailed procedures were developed for the preparation of other all-trans-retinamides on a large scale for studies of the chemoprevention of cancer.