An efficient,economical,and phosgene-free approach was developed for the preparation of l,4-dihydro-2H-3,l-benzoxazin-2-one from 2-aminobenzyl alcohol.In terms of its key features,this reaction uses the cheap and recyclable non-metal selenium as a catalyst instead of the noble metal palladium;carbon monoxide as a carbonylation agent instead of virulent phosgene or one of its derivatives;and oxygen as an oxidant.The selenium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation reaction of2-aminobenzyl alcohol proceeded efficiently in a single pot in the presence of triethylamine to afford l,4-dihydro-2H-3,l-benzoxazin-2-one in 87%yield.Furthermore,the selenium catalyst was readily recovered and recycled,affording a product yield of 80%after five cycles.
