Iodine/MeOH as a novel and versatile reagent system for the synthesis of α-ketothiocyanates

Ketones possessing α-hydrogens undergo smooth thiocyanation with ammonium thiocyanate in the presence of molecular iodine in refluxing methanol to produce the corresponding α-ketothiocyanates in excellent yields with high selectivity. The use of iodine makes this procedure simple, convenient and cost effective.