Synthesis of N-acylurea derivatives from carboxylic acids and N,N′-dialkyl carbodiimides in water

Reactions of benzoic acid derivatives and ( E )-cinnamic acid derivatives with N , N ′ -dialkyl carbodiimide proceed smoothly at room temperature and in neutral conditions to afford N -acylurea derivatives in high yields. The reaction proceeds smoothly and cleanly under mild conditions and no side reactions were observed. Graphical Abstract Reactions of benzoic acid derivatives and ( E )-cinnamic acid derivatives with N,N ′-dialkylcarbodiimide proceed smoothly at room temperature and in neutral conditions toafford N -acylurea derivatives in high yields, and no side reactions were observed.