Base-Catalyzed Pathway Towards Isocyanate Derivatives of Silsesquioxanes

Easily accessible and inexpensive potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) has been applied as the base-catalyst for the synthesis of novel classes of functionalized nanomaterials. This eco-friendly approach has been proven to be effective for a wide range of substrates, leading to nine isocyanate derivatives of silsesquioxanes (SQs) with yields exceeding 90% in mild and transition metal-free conditions. The application potential of chosen products was assessed on the basis of thermogravimetric analyses and photochemical measurements.