The thermal decompositions of carbamates. I. Ethyl N-Methyl-N-phenylcarbamate

Abstract

Ethyl N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamate decomposes in the gas phase over the range 329-380° to give N-methylaniline, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The reaction is quantitative, and is first order in the carbamate. First-order rate constants are described by the equation                     k₁ = 10^12.44 exp(-45,380/RT) (s^-1) and are unaffected by the addition of cyclohexene or by increase in the surface to volume ratio of the reaction vessel. The reaction is considered to be unimolecular and likely to proceed by means of a mechanism of the type represented by the pyrolyses of acetates, xanthates, and carbonates.