Candida antarctica lipase catalyzed the aminolysis of 2-hydroxy esters with amines in organic solvents to yield the corresponding 2-hydroxy amides. The reactions proceeded at 28-30 degrees C in dioxane for 6 h with 3 mM substrates with yields ranging between 45% (w/w) (for branched substrates) to 88% (w/w) (for linear substrates). Although the reaction was not enantioselective, because of its simplicity it represents an alternative method for the synthesis of functionalised amides.