A fast, efficient and simple route for the N-formylation of amines has been developed by treating amines with 85% formic acid at room temperature in the presence of 5 mol% of bromodimethylsulfonium bromide as catalyst under solvent-free condition. This method provides a green and much improved protocol over the existing methods.

A series of difurylarylmethanes were prepared in high yields by condensation of 2-methylfuran with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of bromodimethylsufonium bromide (BMDS) at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. All products were characterized by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectra.