Efficient bismuth catalysts for transcarbamoylation

Among some bismuth catalysts, bismuth trifluoromethanesulfonate showed excellent catalytical properties in the transcarbamoylation reaction between a N-alkyl O-alkyl carbamate and a primary alcohol. It was found more active than classical organotin catalysts. Moreover it was also more selective as no alkyl isocyanate was detected during the transcarbamoylation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.