The reaction of ethyl orthoformate with alkylamines in the presence of acetic acid has been shown to lead to N, N'-dialkylformamidines in good yield. Under similar conditions ethyl orthoacetate gives N, iV'-dialkylacetamidines. Reaction of ethyl orthoacetate with one mole of an aromatic amine, preferably in the presence of acetic acid, gives an ethyl A'- arylacetimidate, while reaction with two moles of an aromatic amine in the presence of ...
