Carbon Nanotube-Gold Nanohybrid Catalyzed N-Formylation of Amines by using Aqueous Formaldehyde

The N-formylation of a variety of primary and secondary amines by using aqueous formaldehyde at room temperature in open air affords the corresponding formamides in excellent yield under the catalytic influence of a gold-carbon nanotube nanohybrid. The reaction is also marked by excellent chemoselectivity, low catalyst loading, and recyclability of the catalyst.