Rate of formation of N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide derivatives in water as a function of pH and their equilibrium constants

The third-order rate constants for the pH-dependent formation of the carbinolamides generated from the reaction of formaldehyde and benzamide, 4-chloro, 4-nitro, 4-methyl and 4-methoxybenzamide, are reported. The acid-catalyzed reaction was found to occur via rate-limiting proton transfer, whereas the hydroxide-dependent reaction occurred via a specific-base process. Coupling the rate constants for carbinolamide formation reported herein with the previously established rates for carbinolamide breakdown yielded equilibrium constants for the carbinolamides studied in water.