First report on bio-catalytic N-formylation of amines using ethyl formateElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6cc07679c

A bio-catalyzed N -formylation reaction of different amines has been developed using ethyl formate as a formylating agent. This protocol provides a facile and convenient strategy featuring mild reaction conditions, high efficacy, a broad substrate scope and recyclability of lipase. This method also works on a large scale in high yield. A bio-catalyzed N -formylation reaction of different amines has been developed using ethyl formate as a formylating agent.