Some reactions of urea and related compounds

Abstract

In this thesis reactions of urea and its N-alkyl derivatives with monoketones, α-diketone s, enzladehyde, acyloins, diaminoethane and its N-alkyl derivatives, oxidation of alkyl and aryl derivatives of thiourea, nitration of Hector's Base, effect of bases on the adduct of Hector's Base, structural elucidation of Hector's Base, Dost's Base and related compound by the application of spectral techniques, and the reaction of picric acid with creatinine in alkaline media are discussed. Reactions of monoketones (acetone, mesityl oxide, aceto-phenone and benzophenone) and benzaldehyde with urea, 1-methylurea and 1,3-dimethylurea gave white crystalline product These products were identified by proton and carbon-13 nmr techniques, physical, chemical and spectrophotometric methods wherever appropriate. A mechanism for these reactions has been proposed. In all these cases, monoketones (except benzophenone) undergo self-condensation in acid solution and the resulting products react with ureas. In the absence of ureas there is further self-condensation to yield hydrocarbons. In case of benzaldehyde reaction, it is the urea which undergoes self-condensation and resulting biuret, in turn, reacts with benzaldehyde. Moreover, it has been found that at least one methyl group adjacent to carbonyl group is involved in the self-condensation process. If methyl groups on either side of carbonyl group are replaced by phenyl groups (benzophenone) then there is no reaction.