ChemInform Abstract: Solvent-Promoted Catalyst-Free N-Formylation of Amines Using Carbon Dioxide under Ambient Conditions.

An unprecedented catalyst-free formylation of amines using CO2 and hydrosilanes was developed. The solvent plays a vital role in promoting the interaction of amines with hydrosilanes and subsequent CO2 insertion, thus facilitating the simultaneous activation of N-H and Si-H bonds. Based on relevant mechanistic studies, a plausible mechanism involving a silyl carbamate intermediate is proposed.