Abstract: A process for preparation of urethanes by reacting an organic hydroxyl group-containing compound and carbon monoxide with a primary amine and oxygen in the presence of a non-noble metal or lanthanide metal catalyst system, particularly a cerium catalyst.

Abstract: Process for producing urethanes, by reacting an organic hydroxyl group containing compound and carbon monoxide, either (i) with an organic nitro group containing compound, e.g. nitrobenzene, or (ii) with a primary amine, e.g. aniline, and oxygen, the reacting in both cases being carried out in the presence of a non-noble metal catalyst system comprising a copper catalyst, preferably mixed with a promoter such as a nitrogen or phosphorous containing organic compound for the (i) nitro compound reaction, or an alkali salt for the (ii) amine reaction, e.g. at 200-8000 psig and 100.degree.-300.degree. C., using 0.05-0.4 mole copper catalyst and 0.01-10 moles promoter per mole (i) nitro compound or (ii) amine, and 2-500 moles carbon monoxide, and (in the case of the (ii) amine) 0.5-5 moles oxygen, per mole of the (i) nitro compound or (ii) amine.