A novel synthesis of thiols from α-amino-nitriles
Abstract
Reaction of α-alkylamino-nitriles [R1R2C(NHR3)CN] with hydrogen sulphide under mild conditions gives high yields of thiols (R1R2CHSH) with none of the anticipated α-amino-thioamides. Under the same conditions the parent aldehydes, thioaldehydes, and corresponding imines give only mixtures of polysulphides.