A new latent catalyst, based on 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), has been specifically designed to be thermally deprotected at low temperature. More generally, specific isocyanurates based on the reaction of two substituted isocyanates and DBN are used as pre-catalyst for polyurethane synthesis. The activation temperature of the pre-catalysts is determined by DSC and resulting free catalysts activity is demonstrated through a catalysis cycle on a PU model reaction.