Reaction Mechanisms and Rate Constants of Auto-Catalytic Urethane Formation and Cleavage Reactions.

The chemistry of urethanes plays a key role in important industrial processes. Although catalysts are often used, the study of the reactions without added catalysts provides the basis for a deeper understanding. For the non-catalytic urethane formation and cleavage reactions, the dominating reaction mechanism has long been debated.

Interaction of formaldehyde with a water-tolerant frustrated Lewis pair.

A facile complexation of formaldehyde with the water-tolerant frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) B(CF)/PtBu and its Al-analog under ambient conditions is reported. Unprecedented formaldehyde adducts 1, 2 and 4 have been identified and crystallographically characterized.