title: The selective reaction of primary amines with carbonyl imidazole containing compounds: selective amide and carbamate synthesis
abstract: A new highly selective synthesis of amides and carbamates is described. In both cases the syntheses involve the formation of carbonyl imidazole intermediates which subsequently undergo previously unreported selective reactions with primary amines. Acid imidazolides with sufficient chain length will exclusively react with primary amines even in the presence of secondary and tertiary functionality. The imidazole carboxylic esters of secondary or tertiary alcohols also react selectively with primary amines, forming controlled carbamate structures.
authors.affiliation: Unilever Research Port Sunlight, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral L63 3JW, England.
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Rannard
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Davis