Preparation of Alkyl Thiocyanates by Electrochemical Oxidation of Thiocyanate Ion in the Presence of Alcohols and Triphenylphosphite

Conversion of primary alcohols to the corresponding thiocyanates was effected by constant-current electrolysis of thiocyanate ion in dichloromethane containing an alcohol, triphenylphosphite, and 2, 6-lutidinium perchlorate or tetrafluoroborate. The electrolysis was performed at ambient temperature in a one-compartment cell using a graphite plate and a platinum plate as the anode and the cathode, respectively. 2, 6-Lutidinium cation effectively extracted thiocyanate ion into the organic phase from sodium thiocyanate suspended in the reaction mixture.