# Metal‐Free Synthesis of 1,3‐Divinylimidazolidin‐2‐One

## TL;DR

A new, metal-free method for making a useful chemical compound called DVI is developed, using affordable materials and a sustainable process.

## Contribution

A metal-free and acetylene-free synthesis of DVI is introduced, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative.

## Key findings

- DVI can be synthesized in high purity and yield using di(chloroethyl)amine and phosgene/triphosgene.
- An alternative route using carbon dioxide was explored for DVI synthesis.
- The process allows for recycling of byproducts, enhancing sustainability.

## Abstract

A new one‐pot synthesis of 1,3‐divinylimidazolidin‐2‐one (DVI) starting from cheap and commercially available substances, i.e., di(chloroethyl)amine and phosgene or triphosgene was developed. The two‐step procedure provides a convenient access to DVI in high purity and good yield without the application of any catalytic system. Additionally, an alternative route that relies on the utilization of carbon dioxide for the preparation of DVI was assessed.

The versatile building block 1,3‐divinylimidazolidin‐2‐one (DVI) was synthesized by a new route without the use of metal catalysts or gaseous acetylene, which was required according to previous methods. The synthesis utilizes commercially available inexpensive chemicals and enables the recycling of side products, allowing an economic and sustainable process.© 2026 WILEY‐VCH GmbH