Synthesis of Organic Carbamates without Using Phosgene: Carbonylation of Amines with Carbonic Acid Diesters

Aminolysis of organic carbonates is a suitable phosgene-free synthetic route to carbamate esters. The paper reviews recent advances in this field. Emphasis is laid on the reaction of amines with industrially relevant carbonic acid diesters, (MeO)2CO, (PhO)2CO, MeOC(O)OPh, currently obtainable without using phosgene. The carbonylation process may require a catalyst. The use of effective catalytic systems is highlighted and their mode of action is discussed.