Continuous Flow Synthesis of Non‐Symmetrical Ureas from CO2

Abstract

AbstractWe report on a continuous flow synthetic process of non‐symmetrical ureas, based on the implementation of a Staudinger/aza‐Wittig reaction sequence. This flow technology allows obtaining the key urea functional group directly from the fundamental C1 building block CO2. A library of 26 derivatives, including alkyl/alkyl, alkyl/aryl and aryl/aryl ureas could be synthesised. In addition, the method was also suitable for the synthesis of S‐thiocarbamates. The potential for large‐scale reaction implementation and a first application to continuous flow 13C‐isotope labeling are shown.