Mechanistic studies in the chemistry of urea. Part 7. Reaction with acetone and mesityl oxide

Abstract

By application of spectral methods it has been confirmed that the structure of the product of reaction between urea and acetone under acid conditions is (3). A mechanism for this reaction has been proposed. If acetone is replaced by mesityl oxide then the product is (7), rather than (6). A similar mechanism operates in this reaction. Analogous products are obtained with 1-methylurea, but 1,3-dimethylurea does not react under these conditions.