Figure 3.

Elementary step involved in azide-isocyanide cross-couplings

Step (a) Coordination of metal with azide and isocyanide: Involves the coordination of a metal species with azide and isocyanide molecules.

Step (b) Extrusion of dinitrogen to generate nitrenes: In this step, dinitrogen (N₂) is eliminated, leading to the formation of reactive species called nitrenes.

Step (c) Transfer of nitrenes onto isocyanides: Nitrenes, the reactive intermediates formed in the previous step, are transferred or react with isocyanide molecules to generate carbodiimide.