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Isocyanates and Isothiocyanates

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There are 63 chemical datasheets assigned to this reactive group.

What are reactive groups?

Reactive groups are categories of chemicals that typically react in similar ways because they are similar in their chemical structure. Each substance with a chemical datasheet has been assigned to one or more reactive groups, and CAMEO Chemicals uses the reactive group assignments to make its reactivity predictions. More info about reactivity predictions...

If you can't find a chemical in the database--but you know what reactive group it belongs in--you can add the reactive group to MyChemicals instead in order to see the reactivity predictions.

Flammability
These materials usually have low vapor pressures and are non-flammable. All are combustible. They evolve poisonous gases such as HCN, NOx, SOx, and CO when they burn.
Reactivity
Isocyanates and thioisocyanates are incompatible with many classes of compounds, reacting exothermically to release toxic gases. Reactions with amines, aldehydes, alcohols, alkali metals, ketones, mercaptans, strong oxidizers, hydrides, phenols, and peroxides can cause vigorous releases of heat. Acids and bases initiate polymerization reactions in these materials. Some isocyanates react with water to form amines and liberate carbon dioxide. Polyurethanes are formed by the condensation reaction of diisocyanates with, for example, ethylene glycol.
Toxicity
Upon direct exposure, members of this chemical class are toxic. Vapors irritate mucous membranes. Organic isocyanates and isothiocyanates are known sensitizers for a small percentage of people, causing chemically induced allergic reactions. The effects of these reactions can be dramatic at rather low concentrations.
Other Characteristics
Compounds in this group have the general formulas R-N=C=O and R=N=C=S where R represents an organic group. Isocyanates are isomers of cyanates, which have the general formula R-O=C=N. No organic cyanates exist in the monomeric state. They immediately trimerize to alkyl cyanurates, which are also in this reactivity group.
Examples
Phenylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane diisocyanate, naphthalene diisocyanate, cyclohexyl isocyanate, ethyl isocyanate, isobutyl isocyanate, isopropyl isocyanate, methyl isocyanate, n-butyl isocyanate, phenyl isocyanate, propyl isocyanate.

Use the links below to find out how this reactive group interacts with any of the reactive groups in the database.

The predicted hazards and gas byproducts for each reactive group pair will be displayed, as well as documentation and references that were used to make the reactivity predictions.

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