Catalytic oxidative carbonylation of primary and secondary diamines to cyclic ureas. Optimization and substituent studies.

W(CO)(6)-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of 1,3-propanediamine to the corresponding urea has been examined under a variety of conditions. Following optimization, the Thorpe-Ingold effect on ring closure was studied using 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-propanediamines. For the 2,2-dimethyl- and 2,2-dibutyl-1,3-propanediamines, the yields were increased significantly as compared to that of the unsubstituted case.