Synlett 2007(2): 0293-0297  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-967990
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Direct Formation of α-Carbamates from Carbonyl Compounds

Adrian Hallb, Edouard P. Hugueta, Kerri L. Jonesa, Teyrnon C. Jonesa, Niall M. Killeena, Sze Chak Yaua, Nicholas C. O. Tomkinson*a
a School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
Fax: +44(29)20874030; e-Mail: tomkinsonnc@cardiff.ac.uk;
b Neurology & GI Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, New Frontiers Science Park, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Received 6 October 2006
Publication Date:
24 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

A simple one-pot method for the direct introduction of carbamates α to carbonyl groups that proceeds at room temperature in the presence of both moisture and air has been developed. Treatment of aldehydes and both cyclic and acyclic ketones with N-­methyl-O-carbamoyl hydroxylamine hydrochlorides provides the α-functionalised products in 50-88% isolated yield. The trans­formation is tolerant of a range of functional groups within the ­substrate and is also effective for the introduction of a variety of ­oxycarbamoyl groups.

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All compounds prepared were characterised by mp, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and HRMS.