Deep eutectic solvent promoted highly efficient synthesis of N, N′-diarylamidines and formamides

A deep eutectic solvent was used as a dual catalyst and reaction medium for the efficient N-formylation of aromatic amines without hazardous organic solvent and catalyst. Treatment of aromatic amines with trimethyl orthoformate and formic acid in deep eutectic solvent at 70 degrees C gives the corresponding N-formyl derivatives in good to excellent yields. This simple ammonium deep eutectic solvent, easily synthesized from choline chloride and SnCl2, with 100% atom economy and making it applicable to industry and laboratory. Furthermore, heating the trimethyl orthoformate and aromatic primary amines in the deep eutectic solvent results in formation of the corresponding N,N'-diarylamidines in high yields. (c) 2012 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.