One-pot two-step dithiocarbamylation of styrenes: metal-free stereoselective synthesis of styrenyl dithiocarbamates

Abstract

Styrenes have been functionalized to produce styrenyl dithiocarbamates by a one-pot two-step procedure without using any metal catalysts. Styrene was transformed into a bromo-derivative, which undergoes a domino nucleophilic substitution followed by elimination in the presence of a dithiocarbamate anion and triethylamine to produce trans-styrenyl dithiocarbamates exclusively. The reaction shows a wide substrate scope and good yields of products.