A novel synthesis of several dialkylureas by electrocatalytical carbonylation of aliphatic amines was investigated at 30 degreesC and atmospheric pressure in the presence of Pd(II) and Cu(II) cocatalyst., This catalyst system was very effective for the carbonylation of primary mono-amines. Furthermore, the phenomenon of the non-Faradic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity was observed in this homogeneous reaction system and the current efficiency for dialkylurea formation reached 401%.

★★★☆☆ Keywords: Carbon monoxide; Electrocatalysis; Aliphatic amines; Carbonylation; Dialkylurea

★★★☆☆ H. Yang et al. / Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical 176 (2001) 73–78.