A new and facile route for the synthesis of thiocarbamates from aniline, carbon monoxide, and thiols mediated by selenium

A new and facile route for the synthesis of thiocarbamates was reported. Mediated by selenium, aniline reacts very readily with carbon monoxide and thiols in the presence of triethylamine, to afford the corresponding thiocarbamates mostly in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Selenium can be easily recovered and recycled.