Mechanistic studies in the chemistry of urea. Part 9. Reactions of 1,2-diaminoethane and related compounds with urea and N-alkylated ureas

Abstract

Reaction of urea with 1,2-diaminoethane results in formation of imidazolidin-2-one (1). Isotopic labelling and a study of the reactions of N-alkylated 1,2-diaminoethane indicate that the reaction mechanism involves an isocyanate intermediate. 1,3-Diaminopropane gives a similar product.