Phenylisocyanid

synthetischeTo a flask containing 7.9 gm (0.33 mole) of sodium hydride in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran is slowly added a mixture of 9.3 gm (0.1 mole) of aniline and 25.3 gm (0.10 mole) of bromoform. After the addition, the reaction is stirred for 1-2 hr at room temperature, and water is added (100 ml) dropwise. Ether (200 ml) is added and the ether layer washed four times with 50-ml portions of water, three times with 20-ml portions of dilute hydrochloric acid, and then with water. The resulting ether layer is dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated, and the residue distilled to afford 4.7 gm (45%), b.p. 52-53°C (13 mm Hg).