An atom-efficient and green synthetic route to highly valuable imides (54-92% yields) from terminal alkynes and amides has been developed. This new route is composed of two consecutive reactions, that is, (i) the reported Cu(OH)(2)-catalyzed cross-coupling of terminal alkynes and amides to ynamides and (ii) the Sn-W mixed oxide-catalyzed regioselective hydration of ynamides.