A novel one-pot synthesis of oxazolidinones through direct introduction of CO2 into allylamine derivatives

1,3-Oxazolindin-2-one derivatives were obtained for the first time through carboxylative cyclization of allylamines in the absence of any metal or base catalyst. An electron-withdrawing substituent on the allylic double bond is crucial for the reaction success. Allylamines react with CO2 in MeCN/MeOH mixture and in scCO(2) giving satisfactory results. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.