A low-cost and efficient thio- and selenocyanation strategy for electron-rich arenes has been developed under constant-current electrolytic conditions in an undivided cell without the use of any catalyst or oxidant.
Thiocyanation of various aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds has been achieved using ammonium thiocyanate in the presence of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) in methanol solution at room temperature and under reflux condition. The rate of reaction is influenced by the electron-donor ability of the aromatic nucleus.Key words: amines, DDQ, indoles, thiocyanation.