Solvent effect in the ruthenium catalyzed carbonylation of amines. Selective synthesis of dialkylformamides

Formamides are selectively produced in the ruthenium-catalyzed carbonylation of amines in alcoholic solvents. The process is shown to occur sequentially via initial carbonylation of the alcohol to yield the corresponding formate, which then reacts with the amine to yield the formamide. The method is of interest for the carbonylation of unreactive amines (aniline, t-butylamine).