Spectroscopic kinetic study of the interaction of urethanes with amines

The exchange reactions of phenyl-N-phenylurethane with amines varying in structure and nature have been investigated in o-dichlorobenzene. In the absence of a catalyst and proton-donating compound, the unimolecular decomposition of phenyl-N-phenylurethane into isocyanate and alcohol takes place at a noticeable rate starting at 250°C. The exchange reactions at 60–80°C proceed as a direct exchange between the urethane and the proton donor and are second-order up to high conversions, practically until the disappearance of the entire urethane. The activation energies and apparent rate constants of the exchange reactions of phenyl-N-phenylurethane with various amines have been determined. The results have been explained in terms of the dependence of kinetic parameters of the reaction on the amine nature, structure, and nucleophilicity, on the steric accessibility of the amino group, and on the molecular organization of the solution.