Iron(III) chloride as mild and efficient reagent for the α-thiocyanation of ketones:: An expedient synthesis of α-oxo Thiocyanates

A simple and efficient method for the alpha-thiocyanation of ketones has been developed; anhydrous iron(III) chloride is used under mild conditions to produce alpha-oxo thiocyanates in good to high yields and with high selectivity. The use of inexpensive and readily available iron(III) chloride makes this procedure simple, convenient, and practical.