New attempt for CO2 utilization: One-pot catalytic syntheses of methyl, ethyl and n-butyl carbamates

The direct production of methyl, ethyl and n-butyl carbamates (MC, EC and BC) from NH3, CO2 and alcohols could efficiently be catalyzed by V2O5, and ca. 11-25% yields with 98% selectivity for alkyl carbamates could be obtained. The catalyst could be recycled six times without obvious decrease in catalytic activity. XRD and XPS analysis showed that in-situ produced (NH4)(2)V3O8 was the catalytically active species. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.