Abstract: Effects of pressure, reaction temperature, concentration of catalyst and promoter on the synthesis of diethyl formamide(DEF) by catalytic carbonylation of diethylamine in liquid phase have been examined, and the optimal conditions of carbonylation have been determined. The experimental results have revealed that the partial pressure of carbon monoxide(P_co) has a marked effect on the reaction rate and the rate of DEF formation increases with the increase of the partial pressure of CO. The concentration of catalyst has a little influence on the reaction rate, but the carbonylation can not take place without catalyst. The propylene oxide(PO) additive has a strong promoter effect on sodium methoxide catalyst,and the promoter effect on the catalyst is directly proportional to the concentration of PO promoter.

Key words: diethylamine, catalytic carbonylation, diethyl formamide, propylene oxide, promoter, sodium methoxide