Heterogeneous CeO2 catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of organic carbamates from amines, CO2 and alcohols

Heterogeneous CeO2 catalyst can catalyze the one-pot synthesis of methyl benzylcarbamate from benzylamine, CO2 and methanol. The yield of methyl benzylcarbamate reached 92% at >99% benzylamine conversion and 92% benzylamine-based selectivity even in the absence of the dehydrating agents. The catalyst is reusable after the calcination at 873 K for 3 h. Various carbamates can be synthesized with good yield and high selectivity by the reaction of amines + CO2 + alcohols over CeO2. The main formation route of methyl benzylcarbamate is suggested to be the reaction of dimethyl carbonate or the precursor of dimethyl carbonate formation with benzylamine.