Urethanes are made by reacting a primary amine with carbon monoxide and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group in the presence of an oxidizing agent and a catalyst system. The catalyst system is made up of (i) a noble metal and/or a noble metal compound of a metal of the Eighth Secondary Group of the Periodic System of Elements and (ii) an oxidizing quinoid and/or a compound capable of being converted to an oxidizing quinoid compound under the reaction conditions. The catalyst system may optionally include (iii) metal compounds of elements of the Third to Fifth Main Groups and/or First to Eighth Secondary Groups of the Periodic System of Elements and/or (iv) a tertiary amine. This reaction is generally carried out at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 300.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 5 to 500 bars. The product urethanes are useful in the production of isocyanates and pesticides.