N-.alpha.-alkoxyethylformamides of the formula ##STR1## where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 -alkyl, are prepared by reacting a vinyl ether of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--OR (II), where R has the meaning stated in the formula I, with formamide in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst at from -10.degree. to 150.degree. C.
根据上述公式,其中R为C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 -烷基,通过在-10度至150度C温度下,在酸性或碱性催化剂存在下,将具有公式CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--OR (II)的
乙烯醚(其中R的含义如公式I所述)与甲酰胺反应制备N-α-烷氧基乙酰胺。