Method for preparation of carbamates

A method of preparing carbamates of the structural formula:

• R--(NHCO.sub.2 R').sub.n
• (wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, phenyl, or benzyl;
• R' is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, phenyl, or benzyl;
• and n is 1 or 2) by reacting amine with alcohol and mixed gas of CO/O.sub.2 in the presence of one or more monovalent copper compounds as a catalyst, selected from the group consisting of a monovalent copper halide having the structural formula of Cu›NCMe.sub.4 !X, K›CuX.sub.2 !, ›CuX(S)! (wherein X=Cl, Br, or I;
• S=solvent) or a monovalent copper compound having a carbonyl group of the structural formula ›Cu(CO)X.sub.a L.sub.b !.sub.m Y.sub.n (wherein, X=CF.sub.3 CO.sub.2, Cl, HB(pz).sub.3 (wherein, pz=pyrazoyl,C.sub.3 H.sub.3 N.sub.2), LBF.sub.2, {LBF.sub.2 =difluoro-3,3'-(trimethylenedinitrilo)bis(2-butanone oximato)borate};
• L=en, diene;
• Y=BPh.sub.4, AsF.sub.6 ;
• a,b=0,1;
• m=1-4;
• n=0,1).