Process for the Synthesis of Isocyanates

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention introduces a novel, safe, and efficient process for synthesizing isocyanates—key starting materials for polyurethanes and other applications—without the use of toxic phosgene gas. The process involves the silylation of organosilicon compounds to generate intermediates that, after heating (thermolysis), are cleanly converted into isocyanates. The method operates under moderate conditions, uses readily available raw materials (including CO2 as carbon source), and produces high yields without catalysts, making it safer and more cost-effective than traditional routes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of polyurethanes for foams, elastomers, adhesives, coatings, and plastics.
• Manufacturing of pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients through isocyanates.
• Synthesis of agrochemicals and specialty chemicals involving isocyanate intermediates.
• Development of safer, phosgene-free industrial plants for isocyanate production.
• Creation of custom isocyanate monomers for novel material science applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Phosgene-free process greatly enhances occupational and environmental safety.
• Reduces production costs by avoiding complex safety infrastructure required for phosgene.
• Enables use of CO2 as a feedstock, supporting sustainability and carbon utilization.
• Works at moderate temperatures and without catalysts, simplifying operation and reducing energy consumption.
• Yields high-purity isocyanates with potential scalability for commercial manufacturing.
• Produces useful byproducts (e.g., siloxanes) that have their own industrial applications.
• Applicable to a broad range of isocyanate types (aliphatic, aromatic, mono-, di-, and triisocyanates).

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates. According to this method, (i) a first organosilicon compound that has at least one silicon atom Si1 and an entity of the formula G-I bonded thereto is, by silylation of the NH group of the entity of formula G-I with a second organosilicon compound having a silicon atom Si2, transformed into a third organosilicon compound having an entity of the formula G-II; and (ii) reacting the third organosilicon compound to an isocyanate by thermolysis, the entity of the formula G-II being transformed into an isocyanate group.