PIDA-Mediated α-C-H Functionalization of Enaminones: Synthesis of Thiocyano Enaminones and Chromones in Water

An efficient, metal-free process for α-C-H thiocyanation of enaminones has been developed using PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant at room temperature in aqueous medium. Various SCN-containing enaminones and chromones with broad functional group have been synthesized in moderate to good yields in the presence of KSCN. In addition, the 3-selenocyanochromone was also been synthesized by using this green, short reaction time, metal free approach.