A novel and efficient synthesis of alkyl thiocyanates from alkyl halides in water using phase transfer catalysts

1,4-Bis(triphenylphosphonium)-2-butene dichloride (BTPBDC) and 1,4-bis(triphenyl phosphonium)-2-butene dithiocyanate (BTPBDT) were prepared and used as phase-transfer catalysts. Alkyl halides were converted efficiently to the corresponding alkyl thiocyanates under mild reaction conditions in water. No evidence for the formation of isothiocyanates as by-product of the reaction was observed.