Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Alkyl Thiocyanates

Microwave irradiation accelerated the reaction of t-alkyl, allyl, and benzyl halides with Zn(SCN)(2) to afford thiocyanates in excellent yields and high selectivity with the formation of isothiocyanates only in minor proportions. Because thiocyanates are stable intermediates to thiols, the method also affords facile access to corresponding thiols.