Magnesium methoxide (Mg (OCH3) 2) and calcium chloride have been shown to facilitate the direct aminolysis of esters by ammonia to primary amides. Methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and tert-butyl esters were converted to the corresponding carboxamides in good yields. Reactions have been run on a larger scale and without the safety liability inherent in the use of magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). Ammonium chloride and amine hydrochlorides have been ...