Quantum-chemical study on the reaction of phenyl isocyanate with linear methanol associates: II. Addition at the C=O bond

Addition of linear methanol associates at the C=O group of phenyl isocyanate involves a concerted cyclic asymmetric late transition state. The reaction is accompanied by formation of pre- and post-reaction complexes. Isomerization of intermediate methyl hydrogen phenylimidocarbonate into methyl phenylcarbamate is characterized by a considerable energy barrier. The reactivity of methanol molecules increases in parallel with the degree of their association, which is related to increase in their electron-donor power. Comparison of the calculated parameters for the addition of methanol associates at the C=N and C=O bonds of phenyl isocyanate clearly indicates that the first path is preferred.