Isocyanates are commonly used as monomers to make polymers, such as polyurethanes which find significant application in the manufacture of rigid and flexible foams. Polyurethanes are also used in the production of adhesives, elastomers, and coatings. Isocyanates are currently manufactured by the phosgenation route which involves reacting an amine with phosgene. This process requires handling of hazardous chemicals and is also environmentally malignant due to issues related to disposal of the hydrochloric acid, formed as a byproduct. We present a benign route which involves generation of isocyanates from primary amines, carbon dioxide, an organic base and an electrophilic dehydrating agent. Primary amines in presence of carbon dioxide and a base are converted to their corresponding carbamate salts, which in presence of a dehydrating agent and mild reaction conditions give good yields of isocyanates. The effect of different bases and anhydrides acting as dehydrating agents is studied in order to design an environmentally benign process without compromising on its commercial viability. The selection of the base and the anhydride presented is such that they are not only strong enough to produce the isocyanate in good yields but are also designed in a manner such that they can be recycled.