An efficient one-pot synthesis of N-alkyl carbamates from primary amines using Cs2CO3

A facile one-pot synthesis of N-alkyl carbamates is described. A primary amine, CO2, and an alkyl halide underwent a three-component coupling using cesium carbonate and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) giving rise to the resultant carbamate. In the presence of Cs2CO3, subsequent N-alkylation of the in situ generated carbamate with a different alkyl halide afforded various aliphatic N-alkyl carbamates, respectively.