Microwave-assisted synthesis of α-ethoxycarbamates

An efficient and reproducible synthesis of various α-ethoxycarbamates is described via a microwave heating mode. Compared to the thermal process, the microwave dielectric heating induces a dramatic reduction of the reaction time and the improvement of the yields. The reaction is general since applicable to aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes with various primary amines. Several examples involving chiral aldehydes have also been considered.