Synthesis of aryl thiocyanates using Al 2 O 3 /MeSO 3 H (AMA) as a novel heterogeneous system

Indoles and various aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds undergo smooth thiocyanation with ammonium thiocyanate in the presence of a mixture of Al2O3/MeSO3H (AMA) under mild conditions without use of any organic solvents to afford the corresponding aryl thiocyanates in excellent yields and with high selectivity. The reactions proceed rapidly at room temperature.