Synthesis 2013; 45(10): 1357-1363
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1338413
paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Synthesis of Unsymmetrical 2-Pyridyl Ureas via Selenium-Catalyzed Oxi­dative Carbonylation of 2-Aminopyridine with Aromatic Amines

Xiaopeng Zhang*
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. of China   Fax: +86(373)3325250   Email: zhangxiaopengv@sina.com   Email: zgs@htu.cn
,
Desheng Li
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. of China   Fax: +86(373)3325250   Email: zhangxiaopengv@sina.com   Email: zgs@htu.cn
,
Xueji Ma
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. of China   Fax: +86(373)3325250   Email: zhangxiaopengv@sina.com   Email: zgs@htu.cn
,
Yan Wang
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. of China   Fax: +86(373)3325250   Email: zhangxiaopengv@sina.com   Email: zgs@htu.cn
,
Guisheng Zhang*
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, P. R. of China   Fax: +86(373)3325250   Email: zhangxiaopengv@sina.com   Email: zgs@htu.cn
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 27 January 2013

Accepted after revision: 21 March 2013

Publication Date:
25 April 2013 (online)


Abstract

A simple, one-pot, phosgene-free approach to a series of unsymmetrical 2-pyridyl ureas starting from 2-aminopyridine and various aromatic amines is reported for the first time. The procedure employs inexpensive selenium as the catalyst, and carbon monoxide (instead of phosgene) as the carbonyl reagent. The products are obtained in moderate to good yields via selenium-catalyzed oxidative cross-carbonylation of the substrate amines in the presence of oxygen. The selenium functions as a phase-transfer catalyst and can be recovered easily and reused without any significant degradation of its catalytic activity.