Three-component reaction of amines, epoxides, and carbon dioxide: A straightforward route to organic carbamates

The efficient utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a C1-building block in organic synthesis has attracted considerable attention in view of sustainable chemistry and green chemistry concepts. Recently, three-component reaction of amines, epoxides, and carbon dioxide has emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of biologically important organic carbamates. In this review, we try to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of recent developments in this interesting research arena with special emphasis on the mechanistic aspects of the reactions. The review is divided into two major sections. The first section focuses exclusively on synthesis of acyclic carbonates, while the second covers construction of cyclic carbamates.