What is isocyanide?

Isocyanides, also known as isonitriles, are a class of organic compounds that contain the functional group -N≡C. They are characterized by their foul, musty odor and are highly toxic in nature. Isocyanides are primarily used in organic synthesis as versatile intermediates for the preparation of various compounds, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and polymers.

Isocyanides can be synthesized through a variety of methods, including the reaction of primary amines with phosgene, the reaction of isonitrile precursors with metal cyanides, and the Curtius rearrangement of acyl azides. They are typically colorless liquids or solids at room temperature and have a low boiling point.

Isocyanides are known for their ability to coordinate with metal ions to form stable complexes. These metal-isocyanide complexes have diverse applications in catalysis, material science, and bioinorganic chemistry.

Overall, isocyanides are versatile compounds with a wide range of applications in both academic research and industrial settings. However, due to their toxicity, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling and working with isocyanides.