Uses
2-Morpholinoethyl isocyanide can be used for the synthesis of:
- Nitrogen acyclic carbene (NAC) complexes to be used as catalysts for the synthesis of phenol and hydration of alkynes.
- Variety of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and α-acylaminoamides by Ugi condensation reaction.
- 2-Aminobenzoxazoles and 3-aminobenzoxazines having important therapeutic activities.
It can also be used as a ligand in bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes for the organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Synthesis
2-Morpholinoethyl isocyanide is prepared by the reaction of 2-morpholinoethylamine with Formic Acid in boiling toluene with a water separator, to yield the formamide which is treated either with Phosgene and Triethylamine in CH2Cl2 or with Phosphorus Oxychloride and Diisopropylamine. The use of diisopropylamine as base is favored as yields are improved, typically to 68%. Trichloroacetic Anhydride has also been used as an alternative for COCl2, giving a yield of 74%.
