Transition Metal Ions as Efficient Catalysts for Facile Ortho-Formylation of Phenols under Vilsmeier–Haack Conditions

Aromatic compounds (phenols), when treated with Vilsmeier Haack (V-H) reagent in the presence of transition metal ions such as Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) under reflux conditions, afforded corresponding ortho-formyl derivatives in good yields. Under normal conditions the metal-ion-free V-H reactions are too sluggish and resulted in poor yields. This protocol provides highly regioselective formylation under a mild and efficient condition with simple workup.