Electrogenerated Base-Promoted Synthesis of Dithiocarbamate Acid Esters and 3-(N-Substituted-amino)-2-cyanodithiocrotonates from Primary or Secondary Amines and Carbon Disulfide

Electrogenerated cyanomethyl anion promotes the reaction between primary or secondary amines, carbon disulfide, and alkyl or benzyl halide. Secondary amines are converted to alkyl or benzyl dithiocarbamates, whereas primary amines give N-substituted alkyl or benzyl 3-amino-2-cyanodithiocrotonates. The mechanisms are discussed.