Syntheses of isocyanates via amines and carbonyl fluoride

•Nine different isocyanates were first synthesized by reacting COF2 with the corresponding amines.•The reactions could be carried out under relatively mild conditions and in good yields.•Two differences between COF2 route and phosgene route are reported.•The facile COF2 route is attractive industrially.

Isocyanates are widely used in many different areas, but the most common synthesis route-phosgene route cannot fit the more and more rigorous restriction of safety and environment. Here, a facile synthesis method of isocyanates via amines and carbonyl fluoride is proven feasibly by expanding its applications to the syntheses of nine different isocyanates. And two differences with the phosgene route are proposed. The reaction could occur under milder conditions and afford isocyanates in good yields, especially for the isocyanates containing electron withdrawing groups. It is appealing for industrial application.

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