Highly efficient synthesis of α,β-acetylenic aldehydes from terminal alkynes using DMF as the formylating reagent

Abstract The formylation of lithium acetylides with DMF led to α,β-acetylenic aldehydes in excellent yields (>94%). A reverse quench into a phosphate buffer (10% aqueous KH 2 PO 4 ,4 equiv) proved to be the key for this high-yielding reaction.