Formamide Synthesis through Borinic Acid Catalysed Transamidation under Mild Conditions

A highly efficient and mild transamidation of amides with amines co-catalysed by borinic acid and acetic acid has been reported. A wide range of functionalised formamides was synthesized in excellent yields, including important chiral alpha-amino acid derivatives, with minor racemisation being observed. Experiments suggested that the reaction rely on a cooperative catalysis involving an enhanced boron-derived Lewis acidity rather than an improved Bronsted acidity of acetic acid.