Transition-metal-free regioselective thiocyanation of phenols, anilines and heterocycles

Abstract

An expedient direct and regioselective thiocyanation of phenols, anilines and heterocycles is described. Transformation is realized via the direct CH functionalization under transition metal free conditions at ambient temperature in excellent yields. Method proved to be monoselective and variety of functional groups tolerated the reaction conditions. The practicality of the protocol is demonstrated in gram scale synthesis of a precursor of PPAR δ agonist in excellent yield.