Direct synthesis of isocyanates by electrocatalytical carbonylation of amines at atmospheric pressure

A novel synthesis of several isocyanates by direct electrocatalytical carbo nylation of corresponding amines can proceed through an electrochemically r egenerable palladium ( II) catalyst in combination with copper acetate as c ocatalyst with an excellent conversion and selectivity under mild condition s. The results show that Pd (PPh3)(2)Cl-2 was the best catalyst. For aromat ic amines, the main products were the corresponding isocyanates. And for al iphatic amines, various products were detected.