Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in a Deep Eutectic Solvent: An Efficient and Recyclable Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Primary Carbamates and Monosubstituted Ureas

Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used to synthesize various primary carbamates as well as monosubstituted and N,N-disubstituted ureas. This efficient phosgene-free process used urea as an eco-friendly carbonyl source in the presence of a biocompatible deep eutectic solvent (DES) to provide an inexpensive and attractive route that afforded the products in moderate to excellent yields. The employed DES serves both a catalytic role and as the green reaction medium. The magnetic nanocatalyst and DES can been reused several times without a significant loss of activity.