Uncatalyzed and Amine Catalyzed Decarboxylation of Acetoacetic Acid: An Examination in Terms of No Barrier Theory

Rate constants for decarboxylation of acetoacetic acid, its anion, and its imine with aminoacetonitrile have been calculated from equilibrium constants and distortion energies using No Barrier Theory. The mechanisms of decarboxylation of both acetoacetic acid and its imine involve preequilibrium formation of the zwitterion.