Isothiocyanates from Tosyl Chloride Mediated Decomposition of in Situ Generated Dithiocarbamic Acid Salts

Abstract

A facile and general protocol for the preparation of isothiocyanates from alkyl and aryl amines is reported. This method relies on a tosyl chloride mediated decomposition of a dithiocarbamate salt that is generated in situ by treatment of an amine with carbon disulfide and triethylamine. Utilizing this protocol, we have prepared 19-alkyl- and arylisothiocyanates in moderate to excellent yield.