One-pot carbonyl reduction and carbonate formation using sodium borohydride in dialkyl carbonate solvents

Preparation of mixed carbonates proceeded in one step from ketones and aldehydes via treatment with NaBH4 in dimethyl or diethyl carbonate solvent at elevated temperatures. This is an efficient and convenient alternative to the traditional two-step sequence of carbonyl reduction to alcohol and subsequent carbonate formation by treatment with an alkyl chloroformate. 25 examples are presented from 49 to 92% yield, highlighting the versatility of this reaction.