DMF·HCl as a versatile and straightforward N- and O-formylating agent

Abstract

Inspired by the serendipitous isolation of N-formylpiperazines when we attempted the synthesis of a series of piperazines, we have developed a straightforward methodology for the N- and O- formylation of secondary cyclic amines, anilines and steroids, respectively. Such approach is based on the hitherto non-reported use of DMF·HCl complex, as a versatile and easily-available formylating system that can be stored without apparent loss of activity.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• N-Formylation
• DMF·HCl complex
• O-Formylation
• cyclic amines
• anilines

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) of Mexico for the award of fellowship to DGRV, and financial grants [INFRA-2015-01-252013 and INFRA-2019-301144].