carbamaten

Carbamates are a family of organic compounds derived from carbamic acid (NH2-COOH). They feature a carbamate group, typically formed when an alcohol or an amine is acylated with the carbamic acid derivative, resulting in carbamate esters or urethanes. A common representation is the carbamate ester structure R-O-CO-NR'R'' where an alkoxy group is attached to a carbonyl that is bound to nitrogen.

Carbamates are found in agriculture, medicine, and materials. Carbamate insecticides, such as carbaryl and methomyl, inhibit acetylcholinesterase in insects. Some carbamate-based drugs act as reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and the carbamate moiety also appears in certain cholinesterase inhibitors used in therapy. The carbamate linkage is employed as a protecting group in organic synthesis; notable examples include tert-butyl carbamate (Boc) and benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) groups used in peptide synthesis.

In industry, carbamate functionalities occur in polyurethanes and related polymers, formed via reactions that create urethane linkages with amines and isocyanates. Synthesis is typically achieved by condensation of alcohols or amines with carbonylating reagents, or by reaction of amines with isocyanates or phosgene derivatives, under controlled conditions.

Safety and regulation vary by substance. Some carbamates are regulated pesticides due to cholinesterase inhibition, and handling requires appropriate protective equipment and adherence to local regulations. Beyond their toxicological considerations, carbamates also serve as versatile reagents and protecting groups in chemical synthesis and industry.