Transformylating amine with DMF to formamide over CeO2 catalyst

Abstract

We here report a new protocol for the formylation of various amines, primary or secondary, aromatic or alkyl, cyclic or linear, mono- or di-amine, with dimethylformamide (DMF) as the formylation reagent to obtain the corresponding formamides in good to excellent yields over CeO2 catalyst. The reaction requires no homogeneous acidic or basic additives and is tolerant to water.