Visible-light-promoted thiocyanation of sp2 C–H bonds over heterogeneous graphitic carbon nitrides

Abstract

Mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg-C₃N₄) has been developed as a metal-free heterogeneous photocatalyst for thiocyanation transformations. The reaction proceeds efficiently by utilizing air as a green oxidant under mild reaction conditions, which affords SCN-containing compounds in moderate to excellent yields. Meanwhile, the practicality of this protocol is further demonstrated by the reusability of the mpg-C₃N₄ photocatalyst and the scaled-up reaction. Furthermore, detailed mechanistic studies clearly demonstrate the role of oxygen.