Abstract A simple and mild method for the N-formylation of amines and α-amino esters is described via reaction with 2-chloro-4, 6-dimethoxy [1, 3, 5] triazine and formic acid. The reaction can be accelerated under microwave irradiation and yields the N-formyl species in high yields and without racemization in the case of optically active α-amino esters.