Thermodynamically Favorable Synthesis of 2-Oxazolidinones through Silver-Catalyzed Reaction of Propargylic Alcohols, CO2, and 2-Aminoethanols.

Development of catalytic routes to incorporate CO2 into carbonyl compounds at mild conditions remains attractive and challenging. Herein, a one-pot three-component cascade reaction of terminal propargylic alcohols, CO2 , and 2-aminoethanols through Ag(I) -based catalysis is reported for the synthesis of carbonyl compounds through C-O/C-N bond formation. This thermodynamically favorable route can be ingeniously regulated to afford a wide range of 2-oxazolidinones along with concurrent production of α-hydroxyl ketone derivatives in excellent yields and selectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that such a process proceeds through successive formation of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonate, ß-oxopropylcarbamate, and 2-oxazolidinones.