Synthesis of amino alcohols, cyclic urea, urethanes, and cyclic carbonates and tandem one-pot conversion of an epoxide to urethanes using a Zn–Zr bimetallic oxide catalyst

The one-pot tandem synthesis of urethanes directly from an epoxide, with urea in solvent-free condition using Zn₂ZrOx is demonstrated. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity in cyclic urea, urethane, and cyclic carbonate production in neat conditions.