L-Proline-TBAB-catalyzed phosgene free synthesis of methyl carbamates from amines and dimethyl carbonate

The reaction of amines and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in the presence of catalytic amounts of L-proline and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) afforded methyl carbamates in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The presence of both L-proline and TBAB co-catalysts is vital for this transformation.