Activation of Aryl Thiocyanates Followed by Aryne Insertion: Access to 1,2-Thiobenzonitriles

Palladium-catalyzed activation of carbon-sulfur bonds allows aryne insertion into aryl thiocyanates to generate new C-SAr and C-CN bonds in one step. The readily available starting materials make this method efficient in generating a variety of 1,2-thiobenzonitriles. By choosing an oxygen atmosphere the yields are increased and side reactions are minimized.