The present invention is directed to processes for producing isocyanates and isocyanate derivatives from epoxide and carbon monoxide reagents. In preferred embodiments, the processes include a step for providing carbonylation of an epoxide reagent with a carbon monoxide reagent to produce a beta-lactone intermediate. In certain preferred embodiments, further carbonylation of a beta-lactone intermediate produces a succinic anhydride intermediate. The processes of the present invention include steps for rearranging beta-lactone intermediates and/or succinic anhydride intermediates to produce isocyanate products and/or isocyanate derivatives. In certain preferred embodiments, the isocyanate products may be copolymerized with polyol oligomers to provide polyurethane products.

The present invention is directed towards a process for the preparation of free isocyanates, which improves upon the disadvantages associated with heterogeneous catalysis. The process comprises converting formamides into the corresponding isocyanates via a catalytic dehydrogenation, which involves bringing the formamide into contact with a Group VII, VIII or IX transition metal complex and heating.

The present invention is directed towards a process for the preparation of free isocyanates, which improves upon the disadvantages associated with heterogeneous catalysis. The process comprises converting formamides into the corresponding isocyanates via a catalytic dehydrogenation, which involves bringing the formamide into contact with a Group VII, VIII or IX transition metal complex and heating.

The present invention provides bio-based aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I). [Formula should be inserted here] wherein X is OCH.sub.3, Y is selected from H or OCH.sub.3, and m=0-12. The present invention further provides a method for preparation of aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I) useful for preparation of polyurethane. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides bio-based aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I). [Formula should be inserted here] wherein X is OCH.sub.3, Y is selected from H or OCH.sub.3, and m=0-12. The present invention further provides a method for preparation of aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I) useful for preparation of polyurethane. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides bio-based aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I). [Formula should be inserted here] wherein X is OCH.sub.3, Y is selected from H or OCH.sub.3, and m=0-12. The present invention further provides a method for preparation of aromatic diisocyanate of formula (I) useful for preparation of polyurethane. ##STR00001##

A reaction accelerator is provided which is used in a reaction of a compound including an isocyanate group that is not directly bonded to an aromatic ring in a molecule with a compound including an active hydrogen-containing group and is formed of a compound including a halogenated carbamoyl group. A production method is provided which includes reacting a compound including an isocyanate group that is not directly bonded to an aromatic ring in a molecule with a compound including an active hydrogen-containing group to produce a urethane compound, a thiourethane compound, an amide compound or a urea compound, in which the reaction is performed in the presence of the reaction accelerator.

A reaction accelerator is provided which is used in a reaction of a compound including an isocyanate group that is not directly bonded to an aromatic ring in a molecule with a compound including an active hydrogen-containing group and is formed of a compound including a halogenated carbamoyl group. A production method is provided which includes reacting a compound including an isocyanate group that is not directly bonded to an aromatic ring in a molecule with a compound including an active hydrogen-containing group to produce a urethane compound, a thiourethane compound, an amide compound or a urea compound, in which the reaction is performed in the presence of the reaction accelerator.