Phase Transfer Catalysis: Preparation of Alkyl Thiocyanates

Abstract

Phase transfer catalysis has been employed for many nucleo-philic substitution reactions.¹ Generally these reactions have employed quaternary ammonium salts as catalysts. Among the displacement reactions reported is the formation of thiocyanates.² Tertiary amines have also been used as catalysts for phase transfer generation of carbenes.³ Recently we reported the preparation of alkyl cyanides to be catalyzed by amines under phase transfer conditions.⁴