All Isocyanates

Isocyanates are organic compounds that contain the functional group R-N=C=O, where R is an alkyl or aryl group. They are widely used as reagents for chemical synthesis, especially for the production of polyurethanes, a class of polymers with diverse applications.

Isocyanates are electrophiles that react with various nucleophiles such as alcohols, amines and water. The reaction of an isocyanate with an alcohol forms a urethane linkage (R-NH-CO-O-R'), while the reaction with an amine forms a urea linkage (R-NH-CO-NH-R'). These linkages can be further extended by using diisocyanates and diols or diamines to form polyurethanes and polyureas respectively. Polyurethanes are versatile materials that can have different properties depending on their structure and composition. They can be rigid or flexible foams, elastomers, coatings or adhesives. Polyureas are also useful polymers that have high strength and resistance to abrasion and chemicals.

Isocyanates can also react with water to form carbon dioxide and a primary amine (R-NH₂). This reaction is exploited in tandem with the production of polyurethane foams, where carbon dioxide acts as a blowing agent to create pores in the polymer matrix. However, this reaction also poses a challenge for handling and storing isocyanates safely, as they can undergo hydrolysis spontaneously or catalyzed by moisture or heat. Therefore, isocyanates must be kept dry and cool during transportation and storage.