Trifluoroacetic anhydride-catalyzed oxidation of isonitriles by DMSO: a rapid, convenient synthesis of isocyanates.

A smooth and efficient oxidation of isonitriles to isocyanates by sulfoxides is catalyzed by trifluoroacetic anhydride. With use of DMSO as the oxidant and 5 mol·% TFAA (dichloromethane, -60 to 0 °C), the process is complete in a few minutes, forming dimethyl sulfide as the only byproduct. The newly formed isocyanates may be used directly or isolated in high purity by solvent evaporation.