One-pot efficient synthesis of methyl carbamate by M5Ca5(PO4)6F2 (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) catalysts

A facile and efficient one-pot synthesis of methyl carbamate (MC) by urea and methanol was studied using metal modified fluorapatite as a catalyst. M5Ca5(PO4)6F2 (M5FAP, M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) was synthesized by co-precipitation. Among the catalysts, Zn5Ca5(PO4)6F2 (Zn5FAP) displayed the higher activity, selectivity and excellent stability after five times of reuse. A possible synthesis reaction mechanism over Zn5FAP catalyst was discussed.