Reaction Mechanism for Synthesizing N, N''''-Bishis(p-dimethylamino)phenylmethyl urea

The title compound was synthesized by the condensation of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde(A), N,N-dimethylaniline(B) with urea in the present of conc. HCI. The resuits showed clearly that the synthetic machanism appears to be a two-step process, Viz. (1) dimethylaminobenzohydrol as Michler's Hydrol is formed by the aldol condensation between A and B and (2) Elimination of water between Michler's Hydrol as intermediate and urea proceeds to form the urea derivative. The reaction mechanisms of other urea derivatives formed by the condensation of substitute arylaldehyde, arylaniline with urea in strong acidic media are the same as the two-step mechanism mentioned above.