Phase Transfer Catalysis: Preparation of Alkyl Thiocyanates

Abstract

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