Silica Sulfuric Acid and Al(HSO4)3: As Efficient Catalysts for the Formylation of Alcohols by Using Ethyl Formate under Heterogeneous Conditions

A mixture of ethyl formate and a catalytic amount of silica sulfuric acid or Al(HSO₄)₃ as suitable formylating systems can formylate various alcohols to their corresponding formate ester derivatives under mild, nearly neutral and heterogeneous conditions at room temperature with good to excellent yields.