Direct Cyanation of Thiophenols or Thiols to Access Thiocyanates under Electrochemical Conditions

A novel electrochemical cross-coupling method for the synthesis of thiocyanates via the direct cyanation of readily available thiophenols or thiols with trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) was developed. This approach was also suitable for selenols. External oxidant-free, transition-metal-free and mild operating conditions were the main advantages of this protocol. A series of thiocyanates and selenocyanates could be obtained in moderate to high yields.