GB269302A - Improvements in the manufacture and production of aromatic derivatives of formamide - Google Patents

Abstract

269,302. Johnson, J. Y., (I. G. Farbenindustrie Akt.-Ges.). March 13, 1926. Aryl derivatives of formamide are prepared by the interaction of carbon monoxide under pressure with a primary or secondary aromatic amine. The reaction may be effected at normal or elevated temperature, and a catalyst may be present. The catalysts comprise formic acid or its salts and esters, formamide or its derivatives such as formanilide, and alkali metals or their hydroxides and alkylates. Instead of carbon monoxide, gases containing it, such as water gas, may be employed. According to the example, carbon monoxide is forced under a pressure of 200 atmospheres into an autoclave containing aniline together with a little methyl alcohol and metallic sodium, and the temperature maintained at 180- 200‹ C. for some time; the product is worked up for formanilide. Other catalysts, such as metallic potassium, caustic soda, methyl formate, ethyl formate or ammonium formate, may be employed. In the same way, monoethylaniline may be converted into ethyl formanilide.