An isocyanide based multi-component reaction under catalyst- and solvent-free conditions for the synthesis of unsymmetrical thioureas

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.11.082

A new and efficient method for the synthesis of thiourea derivatives by a sequential one-pot, three-component reaction between aromatic isocyanides, amines, and 1,2-di-tert-butyldisulfane (DTBS) was developed and 27 different examples were synthesized in good to excellent yields. DTBS was identified as an effective sulfur surrogate without the use of both catalysts and solvents. This protocol does not employ any transition metal catalyst or special experimental setup.