Microwave-assisted deformylation of N-aryl formamide by KF on basic Al2O3

The formyl group was successfully removed from N-aryl formamide by KF on a solid support of basic Al2O3 in 4–20 min with microwave irradiation. The conditions mimic base-catalyzed hydrolysis of formamide and are compatible with carbamates and t-butyl esters, but not methyl, ethyl, and benzyl esters.