CATIONIC ISOMERIZATION AND OLIGOMERIZATION OF ISOCYANIDE

Cationic reactions of isocyanide which have hitherto been studied are mostly caused by Brpnsted acids. As to the Lewis acid catalyzed reaction, the cationic polymerization of isocyanide, producing an insoluble and infusible polymer, has been reported. The present study has shown that the cationic polymerization by Lewis acid catalyst is limited to the isocyanides of primary and secondary alkyls, and that tertiary alkyl isocyanide is converted by Lewis acid into the corresponding cyanide and oligomers. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.