Silver-catalyzed Reductive Formylation of Amines with Carbon Dioxide

The formylation of amines with carbon dioxide was examined in the presence of a catalytic amount of silver (II) picolinate and phenylsilane as a reductant. The reaction proceeded under base-free and mild conditions. The reaction conditions were successfully applied to both primary and secondary amines to afford the corresponding formamide derivatives in high yields. The formylation of amino acids, such as the proline and phenylalanine derivatives, proceeded by the present method to afford the corresponding formylated amine without racemization.