A task-specific ionic liquid [bmim]SCN for the conversion of alkyl halides to alkyl thiocyanates at room temperature

A new “task-specific” ionic liquid (TSIL), 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([bmim]SCN), has been prepared and used for the first time as the medium as well as reactant for the synthesis of alkyl thiocyanates from the corresponding alkyl halides by thiocyanate-halide exchange at room temperature. The alkyl thiocyanate products can be easily isolated from the reaction mixture by simple extraction and the ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium halide may be reused for the synthesis of the ionic liquid [bmim]SCN and recycled for further use.