Selenium-catalyzed carbonylation of nitroarenes to symmetrical 1,3-diarylureas under solvent-free conditions

An efficient synthetic system without solvent was developed for the selenium-catalyzed carbonylation of nitroarenes with CO to afford symmetrical 1,3-diarylureas in high yields. Additionally, three herbicides were readily obtained from diarylureas and dimethyl-amine.

Diarylureas were synthesized by Se-catalyzed carbonylation of nitroarenes in up to 98% yields. Additionally, three herbicides were readily produced from diarylureas and amine. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide