Condensation of acyl chloride on sodium cyanate : preparation of acyl isocyanates

Abstract The catalytic effects of various metal halides and solvents on the reaction of benzoyl chloride with sodium cyanate were studied. It has been found that SnCl 4 , and ZnCl 2 . catalyze the reaction to give the corresponding acyl isocyanates in good yields. The scope of the reaction was studied and a number of aroyl isocyanates and their derivatives were prepared. A few non aromatic isocyanates and their derivatives were also prepared.