PIDA-mediated α-C–H functionalization of enaminones: the synthesis of thiocyano enaminones and chromones in water

Herein, an efficient, metal-free process for the α-C–H thiocyanation of enaminones was developed using PhI(OAc) 2 as an oxidant at room temperature in an aqueous medium. Various SCN-containing enaminones and chromones with broad functional groups were synthesized in moderate to good yields in the presence of KSCN. In addition, 3-selenocyanochromone was synthesized using this fast, green, metal-free approach.