Simple one-pot synthesis of thioureas from amine, carbon disulfide and oxidants in water

Abstract

The present study reports the new facile methodology for synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical thioureas by an one-pot reaction of amine, carbon disulfide and oxidants: hydrogen peroxide, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)/sodium percarbonate system or air. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and MS methods. Reaction mechanism has been proposed on the basis of reaction intermediate isolation and their structure determination. The synthetic benefits of the presented methods is reflected in the operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, recycling of solvent, high purity and yield of products, absence of dangerous by-products and technological applicability at industrial scale. Considering commercial importance of the thioureas, it can be emphasized that implementation of the optimal synthesis of thiourea, based on presented methods, at industrial level of production would provide concurrent alternative to existing technologies in use.