Isocyanide - Synthesis of Isocyanides

Synthesis of Isocyanides

The first isocyanide, allyl isocyanide was prepared in 1859 by the chemist Lieke from the reaction of allyl iodide and silver cyanide. Normally the alkylation of an alkali metal cyanide gives a nitrile, but the silver ion protects the carbon end of the cyanide. Commonly, isocyanides are synthesized by the reaction of primary amines with dichlorocarbene or by dehydration of a formamide with phosphorus oxychloride.

RNH₂ + :CCl₂ + 2 NaOH → RNC + 2 NaCl + 2 H₂O

RNHC(O)H + POCl₃ → RNC + "PO₂Cl" + 2 HCl

The Hofmann isocyanide synthesis is a chemical test for primary amines based on their reaction with potassium hydroxide and chloroform as dichlorocarbene precursors to foul smelling isocyanides.

Another route to isocyanides is by reaction of organolithium compounds with oxazoles and benzoxazoles:

The benzoxazole gets deprotonated at the 2-position by n-butyllithium. The lithium compound is in chemical equilibrium with the 2-isocyanophenolate which can be captured by an electrophile such as an acid chloride. Being an ester the formed isocyanate in the example above behaves uncharacteristically with reportedly a mild cherry smell.

Another synthetic route towards an isocyanide is 1) condensation of an amine with formic acid, yielding a formamide, and 2) dehydrating this formamide. Phosgene (or a synthon or precursor such as diphosgene) can be used in combination with formamide to yield isocyanides.