Synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones by salen-Co-complexes catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of β-amino alcohols

2-Oxazolidinones are synthesized in high yield by oxidative carbonylation of β-amino alcohols using salen-Co(II)/NaI or salen-Co(III)-I as a catalyst and using CO as the carbonyl source. Studies of functional group compatibility using a series of substituted salen-Co(II) or salen-Co(III)-I complexes demonstrate a broad tolerance of functionality during the carbonylation reaction.