A simple TiCl4 promoted arylation of orthoformate and benzyl ethers by N,N-dialkylarylamines

N,N-Dialkylarylamines react with trimethyl orthoformate and TiCl4 under ambient conditions to give the corresponding formyl derivatives in 75–89% yields, whereas the corresponding arylated products are obtained from benzyl ethers and acetals in 42–78% yields.