Innovations in isocyanate synthesis for a sustainable future

Author(s)

Vargas, Jorge Andres Mora ; Mandrekar, Ketan S. ; Echemendia, Radell ; Burtoloso, Antonio C. B.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY; v. N/A, p. 19-pg., 2024-11-11.

Abstract

Isocyanates play a crucial role as key building blocks in the production of thermoplastic foams, elastomers, adhesives, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. These compounds are essential in the manufacture of various polymeric products, such as polyurethane foams, synthetic rubbers, and surface coatings. Given their significance, and the fact that many isocyanates are highly reactive and toxic, there is an increasing demand for innovative and sustainable methods for their synthesis and detection that emphasize safety, efficiency, and selectivity. Developing processes for isocyanate production that avoid hazardous reagents like phosgene is particularly critical. While several methods exist for the in situ generation of isocyanates, the search for an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for their direct synthesis and isolation continues. Recent advances in isocyanate synthesis promise innovative and efficient strategies with broad industrial and environmental benefits. This review highlights various methods for synthesizing di- and monoisocyanates, emphasizing their isolation and conversion into ureas and carbamates in line with the principles of sustainable and green chemistry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 19/12300-5 - Synthesis of butenolides and butyrolactams from sulfur ylides and diazocompounds
• Grantee: Radell Echemendía Pérez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/09140-9 - Organic transformation from sulfoxonium ylides and hypervalent iodine compounds
• Grantee: Radell Echemendía Pérez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 20/07147-0 - Enantioselective alpha-heterofunctionalization of carbonyl compounds using sulfoxonium ylides
• Grantee: Antonio Carlos Bender Burtoloso
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/06549-0 - Preparation of industrially important isocyanates and polyols from CO2 and molecular platforms obtained from biomass and their use in the synthesis of polyurethanes
• Grantee: Jorge Andrés Mora Vargas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate