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In combination with POCl3, (COCl)2, etc., generates an iminium chloride intermediate for the formylation of reactive aromatic nuclei by the Vilsmeier reaction:

• DMF can also be used for formylation with alkyllithium or Grignard reagents: Synthesis, 228 (1984).
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Dipolar aprotic solvent, in which anions have enhanced nucleophilicity, compare Dimethyl sulfoxide, A13280. Effective solvent for a vast range of reactions.•
Compare also N-Methylformanilide, A11829, and preformed Vilsmeier reagent (Chloromethylene)dimethylammonium chloride, B24172. Monograph: Synthesis Using Vilsmeier Reagents, C. M. Marson, P. R. Giles, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL (1994). Formylation can be extended to less active substrates, e.g. acenaphthene or mesitylene, with the DMF-triflic anhydride reagent: J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 1571 (1990). Under Vilsmeier conditions, electron-rich alkenes can be converted to ɑ?-unsaturated aldehydes; see, e.g.: Synthesis, 752 (1976); and ketones to ?-chloroenals: Synthesis, 496 (1985); Org. Synth. Coll., 5, 215 (1973).•
Vilsmeier conditions also promote dehydrations, e.g. in cyclodehydration of hydroxyphenols to give cyclic ethers, as an efficient alternative to the Mitsunobu reaction: J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 2249 (1996); J. Org. Chem., 59, 4346 (1994):

• In aqueous DMF, tosylate esters undergo formolysis to formate esters: Synth. Commun., 26, 1031 (1996).
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CAUTION! Thermal runaway reactions can occur with NaH; see Sodium hydride, 13431.•
For the free-radical formylation of perfluoroalkyl iodides, see Zinc-copper couple, L09811.