Synthesis of Isocyanic Acid from Nitric Oxide over Palladium and Iridium Catalysts.

A novel and convenient synthesis of isocyanic acid (HNCO) and its trimer isocyanuric acid has been obtained by the conversion of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen mixed in helium at the level of 0.3 to 5 percent reacted over iridium and palladium catalysts at 280 degrees to 450 degrees C to form HNCO in 60 to 75 percent yield. Major side products were ammonium cyanate at low temperature and ammonia or nitrogen at high temperature. Total conversion of nitrogen from NO to NCO reached 73 percent over palladium and 86 percent over iridium.