A selective one-pot electrochemical thiocyanation of methoxybenzene (anisole)

A direct, one-pot electrochemical thiocyanation of methoxybenzene (anisole) as a model for aromatic compounds has been studied in glacial acetic acid at ambient temperature. The sole product is 1-methoxy-4-thiocyanatobenzene, indicating a high regio- and isomeric-selectivity. Preparative electrolysis was carried out by both controlled-potential and constant-current techniques, for comparison. The effect of various parameters, such as anode material, solvent, electricity consumption, current density, electrolyte and concentration on the outcome of the electrolytic process has been studied and evaluated. A plausible mechanism for the thiocyanation process is discussed.