Catalytic Cracking of Organic Amides

This chapter reports the discovery of an improved catalyst for cracking ethylidene bis(formamide) (BIS) to N-vinylformamide (NVF). The NVF monomer is useful for the production of a new family of highly desirable functionalized vinyl amide polymers. Unlike the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, BIS, NVF, and formamide (FAM) are highly functionalized, heteronuclear organic molecules. Such molecules undergo a large number of side reactions over the classic acid-cracking catalysts. Some of the results obtained for BIS cracking over quartz chips are summarized. MgO and carbon catalyze the cracking of BIS with high selectivities to NVF. A two-step synthesis of NVF, an attractive route to vinylamide polymers. High selectivity and yield with excellent catalyst life. MgO, activated carbon, Sr₂ P₂ O₇, basic hydroxyapatites are superior catalysts. Our proposed catalytic mechanism involves an imine intermediate generated by hydrogen abstracting catalysts.