The Reaction of Some Inorganic Lewis Bases and Acids with Organic Isocyanates

Abstract

Inorganic Lewis Acids, such as CuBr₂ and NiCl₂, act as catalysts in the trimerization of RNCO molecules. The mode of action is postulated as via a coordination compound intermediate, where the N atom of the RNCO molecule binds to the metal, leaving a positive charge at the C atom. The NO molecule also acts as a catalyst, in this case via the classical Ulrich mechanism. Infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the reaction products.