The Vilsmeier formylation involves the reaction of heterocycles rich in electron density with dimethylformamide in the presence of phosphorus oxytrichloride.

Mechanism:
Stage 1. Formation of the Vilsmeier electrophile

Stage 2. Nucleophilic attack of pyrrole on the Vilsmeier electrophile

Stage 3. Recovery of aromaticity

Stage 4. Formation of the immonium salt
