An Improved Process for the Preparation of Benzyl-<i>N</i>-vinyl Carbamate¹

Abstract

An improved method that can be easily scaled up has been developed for the preparation of benzyl-N-vinyl carbamate. In this method vinyl isocyanate formed by the Curtius rearrangement of acryloyl azide is codistilled with a solvent such as toluene into benzyl alcohol containing a catalyst and inhibitor. The product thus obtained can be purified by crystallization, avoiding purification by high-vacuum distillation or chromatography. Potential safety issues associated with the process are discussed.