Ultrasound-assisted thiocyanation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds using ammonium thiocyanate and DDQ

Thiocyanation of various aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds has been achieved in the presence of ammonium thiocyanate (NH(4)SCN) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) in methanol solution under ultrasound irradiation. An ultrasonic probe of 24 kHz frequency has been used for this study. Whereas the use of ultrasound increases the rate of reactions compared with reactions at reflux conditions, the electron-donor ability of aromatic nucleus enhances also the rate of reaction.