Ruthenium-catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical N, N'-dialkylureas directly from carbon dioxide and amines

J Fournier, C Bruneau, PH Dixneuf…

Index: Fournier, Jean; Bruneau, Christian; Dixneuf, Pierre H.; Lecolier, Serge Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1991 , vol. 56, # 14 p. 4456 - 4458

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Citation Number: 91

Abstract

Aliphatic and araliphatic primary amine react with carbon dioxide at 120-140" C in the presence of ruthenium complexes and terminal alkynes, eapecially propargyl alcohols, to directly afford N, N'-diaubstituted symmetrical ureas. The alkyne ruthenium intermediate acts as a dehydrating reagent. This new and mild method avoids the classical use of carbonyl precursors like phosgene or isocyanates.