Graphene oxide: a promising carbocatalyst for the regioselective thiocyanation of aromatic amines, phenols, anisols and enolizable ketones by hydrogen peroxide/KSCN in water

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO), as a heterogeneous carbocatalyst, catalyzes the direct thiocyanation of a variety of arenes including aromatic amines, phenols, anisols and carbonyl compounds that possessing α-hydrogen in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and KSCN in water as a green media. This procedure is chemoselective, avoids the use of precious metals and toxic solvents and has a broad substrate scope. Easy removal from the reaction mixture and recyclability with no loss of activity are the key features of graphene oxide in this catalytic system.