Catalytic synthesis of isocyanates or carbamates from nitroaromatics usingGroup VIII transition metal catalysts

In order to produce various isocyanates, catalyzed carbonylations of nitroa romatic compounds constitute a set of very appealing reactions for industry . These environmentally benign reactions present many advantages over the t raditional phosgene route actually used for isocyanate production. Group VI II metal complexes constitute currently the most interesting catalysts for these transformations and this review focuses on the academic research cond ucted in this field. After a brief introduction, some general data about th e 'direct' and 'indirect' carbonylation processes is given and the most act ive catalytic systems developed for both transformations are described. The n, the mechanistic data available for specific catalytic systems are presen ted and the reaction schemes of these reactions thoroughly analyzed. Finall y, industrial perspectives regarding reductive carbonylation reactions are briefly discussed before concluding. A review with 390 references. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.