Interest in designer convertible isonitriles has increased in recent years with the growing recognition that isonitrile-based multi-component reactions (IMCRs) are highly effective in rapidly accessing, new and pharmacologically relevant diversity space. This Letter reports on the novel use of n-butylisonitrile as a cheaper and more atom-economical alternative to currently reported designer convertible isonitriles, facilitated by the advent of microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS).