The novel reactivity of O-silylthionoesters with amine nucleophiles to generate oxoamides (rather than thioamides) is described. A straightforward first-generation trimethylsilylation protocol using bistrimethylsilylacetamide (BSA) combined with the unique reactivity of the O-silylthionoesters toward 1 degrees and 2 degrees amines to generate oxoamides provides the simplest means of activating a thiol acid for peptide bond formation at neutral pH. Excellent stereoretention is observed.