Direct Photocatalytic S–H Bond Cyanation with Green “CN” Source

Herein we report a novel C–S bond cleavage and reconstruction strategy for the synthesis of thiocyanates through direct photocatalytic S–H bond cyanation from thiols and inorganic thiocyanate salts. In our strategy, the unprecedented example of cutting off C–S bond of SCN– to deliver the green "CN" sources is demonstrated. This transformation features nontoxic and inexpensive "CN" sources, available starting materials, metal-/base-/ligand-/peroxide-free, high step economy and mild conditions. It leads to the construction of various thiocyanates and some medicinally and biologically active thiocyanate-containing molecules.