The following thesis outlines work carried out during the last three years for the development and investigation of methodologies using amides as N- and O- acylating agents. Chapter 1 highlights the range of methodologies and protocols reported in the literature that use amides as precursors for the synthesis of both functionalised amides and esters. The introduction will highlight the range of catalysts and promoters used as well as the scope of the current methodologies. As well as this it will highlight the limitations of the methodologies so emphasising where the following research fits into these areas. Chapter 2 presents the development of a transamidation methodology using zirconocene dichloride as a catalyst. The scope with respect to functional group tolerance is presented as well as the investigations into the mechanism of the reaction. Chapter 3 builds on the research presented in Chapter 2 and details the development of a more catalytically active zirconocene transamidation methodology. By the addition of a catalytic additive the temperature or time required for the reaction to be carried out could be lowered. Investigations into the mechanism were also carried out highlighting the in situ formation of an active catalytic species. Chapter 4 details the development of an operationally simple methodology for the O-acylation of alcohols using amides. Using a catalytic amount scandium triflate the substrate scope of the reaction was explored with a proposed mechanism presented based on activation of the amide.