Sulfated polyborate catalyzed rapid and efficient electrophilic thiocyanation of activated arenes

This report describes a rapid, efficient, and environment-friendly methodology for electrophilic thiocyanation of activated arenes using sulfated polyborate as a Bronsted acid catalyst and H2O2 as a green oxidizer at 30 ?. The methodology was applied for activated arenes, including indoles and beta-ketoesters, along with recyclability of aqueous quench was demonstrated for four cycles with no loss of catalytic activity. The key benefits of the method are a shorter reaction time, higher yields, and easy work-up under mild reaction condition. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for electrophilic thiocyanation of activated arenes. The method utilizes sulfated polyborate as a Bronsted acid catalyst and H2O2 as a green oxidizer. It shows promising results for various activated arenes and allows for recyclability of the aqueous solution, offering easy operation under mild reaction conditions.