Synthesis 2008(5): 763-769  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1032166
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

An Efficient and Eco-friendly Process for the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Oxazolones and Oxazolidinones under Supercritical Conditions

Huanfeng Jiang*, Jinwu Zhao, Azhong Wang
The College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. of China
Fax: +86(20)87112906; e-Mail: jianghf@scut.edu.cn;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 10 September 2007
Publication Date:
08 February 2008 (online)

Abstract

The cycloaddition reactions of carbon dioxide with propargylic alcohols and amines under supercritical conditions produce 4-methyleneoxazolidin-2-ones or 4-methyloxazol-2-ones. The optimized conditions consist of the use of an alcohol (2 mmol), an amine (2 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.1 mmol), carbon dioxide (8 MPa), and a temperature of 60 °C. The regiochemical control is dependent on the substituents of the propargylic alcohols. Tertiary propargylic alcohols give 4-methyleneoxazolidin-2-ones, while primary and secondary ones generate 4-methyloxazol-2-ones. The effects of various parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time have also been investigated.