Ball-milling promoted ring-opening selenocyanation of cyclic sulfonium salts with KSeCN

Abstract

A sustainable and practical method for ball milling-promoted ring-opening selenocyanation of cyclic sulfonium salts using KSeCN has been developed at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. This approach enables the synthesis of a variety of sulfur-containing selenocyanates, demonstrating a broad substrate scope and compatibility with various functional groups. The short reaction time (10–15 min), along with the absence of catalysts, oxidants, and additives, combined with a straightforward work-up procedure that eliminates the need for extraction, renders this method highly efficient and environmentally friendly.