Diphenylmethane diisocyanate → Hydrogen Cyanide

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 21 grams (0.75 mole) of hydrogen cyanide and 85 grams of dry toluene and 10 grams of 2,6-lutidine was prepared at ice bath temperatures. To the solution, 62.5 grams (0.25 mole) of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate in 135 grams of dry toluene were added dropwise over a period of two hours. While keeping the temperature below 10° C., a solid began to come out of solution. The reaction solution was stirred an additional 30 minutes after completion of the addition. The product (76 grams) was collected on a filter. The product was purified by dissolving it in acetone and filtering the solution into petroleum ether. The pure product melted at 208° C. Analysis calculated for C17H12N4O2 : C, 67.10; H, 3.97; N, 18.41. Found: C, 66.98; H, 4.22; N, 18.20.

Provenance & Evidence