The direct formation of α-carbamates from carbonyl compounds

A simple one-pot method for the direct introduction of carbamates α to carbonyl groups that proceeds at room temp. in the presence of both moisture and air was developed. Treatment of aldehydes and both cyclic and acyclic ketones with N-methyl-O-carbamoyl hydroxylamine hydrochlorides provides the α-functionalized products in 50-88% isolated yield. The transformation is tolerant of a range of functional groups within the substrate and is also effective for the introduction of a variety of oxycarbamoyl groups.