Research Article
Musa E. Mohameda , Christina Y
Abstract
Theoretical study based on the Restricted Hartree- Fock calculations (RHF/3-21G) of the formation of Schiff base of para-methoxyaniline with furaldehyde was conducted. The reaction mechanism was found to involve two steps, namely: (1) formation of a carbinolamine and (2) dehydration of the carbinolamine to give the final schiff base, through six-membered ring transition states. The carbinolamine is intermediate and dehydration is rate determining step of the reaction. The formation of Schiff base between the para-methoxyaniline and furadehyde requires the contribution of one auxiliary water molecule as a true reactive in order to facilitate proton transfer, and allows the nucleophilic attack of the incoming amine to carbonyl group.