n -Bu 4 NI/K 2 S 2 O 8 mediated transformylation from p -anisaldehyde to primary amides is reported. The mechanistic studies suggest the reaction occurs via a single electron transfer pathway. Based on the DFT electronic structure calculations of various reaction pathways, the most plausible mechanism involves the formation of a phenyl radical cation and an arenium ion as the key intermediates. It represents the first example where p -anisaldehyde is employed as a formyl source via a non-metal mediated Csp 2 -Csp 2 bond cleavage.