DMAP catalyzes the formation of polyurethanes from reaction of isocyanates with alcohols and phenols. Kinetic study of a related reaction, that of methanol with phenylisocyanate in carbon tetrachloride, revealed that this reaction is subject to general base catalysis (below) by DMAP. This contrasts with the behavior of DMAP in most cases in which nucleophilic catalysis is the rule.
The role of pyridines in acyl transfer reactions and the question of nucleophilic versus general base catalysis, have been the subject of extensive investigation. The remarkable properties of DMAP are a feature of these studies.
The literature relating to the use of DMAP in polymer chemistry is extensive. A list of fifty recent patents relating polyurethanes and DMAP is included on this site. To access it please
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