Protic [TBD][TFA] ionic liquid as a reusable and highly efficient catalyst for N-formylation of amines using formic acid under solvent-free condition

Trifluoroacetate guanidinium salt [TBD][TFA] ionic liquid was used as a recyclable and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of formamides. Primary and secondary amines were reacted with formic acid to afford N-formyl derivatives in high yield under solvent-free condition at room temperature. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.