Urethanes synthesis from oxamic acids under electrochemical conditions

Urethane synthesisviaoxidative decarboxylation of oxamic acids under mild electrochemical conditions is reported. This simple phosgene-free route to urethanes involves anin situgeneration of isocyanates by anodic oxidation of oxamic acids in an alcoholic medium. The reaction is applicable to a wide range of oxamic acids, including chiral ones, and alcohols furnishing the desired urethanes in a one-pot process without the use of a chemical oxidant.