Formamidine derivatives have been synthesized in excellent yields at room temperature from primary amine and N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA) in the presence of a catalytic amount of Al-MCM-41 synthesized from natural bentonite as silica and aluminum source. The advantages of this method are the use of a cheap, stable, non-toxic, and readily available catalyst, easy work-up, improved yields, and solvent-free conditions.
Keywords: Formamidine, DMF-DMA, Al-MCM-41, mesoporous materials, heterogeneous catalysis, formamidine derivatives.