Quantum-Chemical Study of Catalysis in the Reaction of N,O-Dimethyl Carbamate with Methylamine

Non-catalytic and sodium acetate and sodium methoxide catalyzed reactions of N,O-dimethyl carbamate with methylamine were studied using quantum-chemical hybrid density functional methods M06 and B3LYP. All interactions proceed through concerted cyclic transition states. Non-catalytic and sodium acetate-catalyzed reactions are characterized by a large activation free energy barrier. The transformation catalyzed by sodium methoxide is characterized by a negative enthalpy of activation and a low free energy of activation.