α-thiocyanation of carbonyl compounds: A review

ABSTRACT

The α-thiocyanation of carbonyl compounds is one of the most important processes in synthetic organic chemistry. These compounds are important precursors for the production of various biologically important heterocyclic compounds and other industrially important products. Ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) is a key reagent for the production of such a class of thiocyanate intermediates. In addition to the inherent efficiency issues, there are also environmental concerns that need to be addressed. Therefore, in recent years considerable advances have been made for the synthesis of α-thiocyanation of carbonyl compounds with high selectivity and yield. In this review, we have summarized various methods for the synthesis of α-thiocyanation carbonyl compounds.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN)
• carbonyl compounds
• α-thiocyanation

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Department of Chemistry, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, for providing the necessary facilities. UGC-Info net and INFLIBNET Gujarat University are acknowledged for providing the e-source facilities.