Oxidant-free thiocyanation of phenols and carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions by AlCl₃/NH₄SCN

ABSTRACT

A simple, efficient, solvent-free, and mild method for thiocyanation of phenols by ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) in the presence of AlCl₃ has been developed. This new methodology was used to prepare para-thiocyanated products in good to excellent yields at 70°C. In addition, the successful α-thiocyanation of various ketones has also been described. Finally, a plausible mechanism of thiocyanation has been suggested.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Thiocyanation
• phenol
• carbonyl compound
• AlCl₃
• solvent-free conditions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Research Council of Alzahra University.