What is it about?
This study presents a new chemical route to make methyl N-phenyl carbamate (MPC), a key intermediate for producing polyurethane plastics, from aniline and methyl formate. Instead of using highly toxic carbon monoxide (CO) or phosgene gas, the process employs methyl formate—a safer and potentially CO₂-derived alternative—as the carbonyl source. The reaction is catalyzed by palladium-based catalysts under mild conditions, and the results show that comparable or even improved yields can be obtained without the need for external CO gas. Mechanistic experiments confirm that methyl formate decomposes in situ to form the reactive carbonyl species needed for the carbamate formation. This approach offers a promising avenue to reduce industrial reliance on hazardous feedstocks while contributing to the circular use of carbon by utilizing methyl formate derived from captured CO₂.
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Why is it important?
This work offers a more sustainable and safer alternative to traditional routes for producing carbamates, which are key building blocks for polyurethanes used in foams, coatings, and adhesives. By replacing toxic carbon monoxide or phosgene with a carbonyl source that can be synthesized from CO₂, the method aligns with green chemistry principles and advances carbon recycling. It contributes to the decarbonization of chemical production and supports the development of safer, CO₂-based feedstocks in the polymer industry. Furthermore, it showcases how mechanistic insight can lead to practical solutions in industrial chemistry.
Perspectives
This project was particularly rewarding as it brought together academic and industrial collaborators to tackle a problem with real-world impact: how to make useful products from CO₂ in a safe and economically viable way. We were able to demonstrate that carbon recycling doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance or safety. I hope this work inspires further innovation in the use of alternative carbonyl sources and shows that even small changes in feedstock chemistry can contribute to a more sustainable future for the chemical industry.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ernst Müller
Ruhr-Universitat Bochum
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: MethylN-Phenyl Carbamate Synthesis from Aniline and Methyl Formate: Carbon Recycling to Chemical Products, ChemSusChem, December 2014, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201402827.
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