Hafnium(IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)imide complex supported on fluorous silica gel catalyzed N-formylation of amines using aqueous formic acid

The treatment of amines with aqueous formic acid in the presence of Hf(NPf2)4 supported on fluorous silica gel brings about highly efficient N-formylation to give the corresponding formamides in high yields. The N-formylation reaction not only involves mild conditions, simple operation, and high yields but also recyclable catalyst.

Graphical abstractA very simple, highly efficient and green method for N-formylation of primary and secondary amines in high yield using catalytic FSG-Hf(NPf2)4 in aqueous formic acid is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fluorous silica gel supported Hf(NPf2)4 was prepared. ► Formamides were synthesized in the presence of FSG-Hf(NPf2)4. ► FSG-Hf(NPf2)4 can be recovered and reused without significant loss of activity.