Abstract:
Improved process for the preparation of aromatic isocyanates by reaction of phosgene with primary aromatic amines or their salts in a suspension in an inert solvent, in which the reaction is carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of a compound containing at least 6 polyethylene oxide groups in one chain. By the addition of said compound the required amount of phosgene is reduced, the reaction proceeds faster and the isocyanates are obtained in higher yields.