Activation of Aryl Thiocyanates Followed by Aryne Insertion: Access to 1,2-Thiobenzonitriles

Palladium-catalyzed activation of carbon–sulfur bonds allows aryne insertion into aryl thiocyanates to generate new C–SAr and C–CN bonds in one step. The readily available starting materials make this method efficient in generating a variety of 1,2-thiobenzonitriles. By choosing an oxygen atmosphere the yields are increased and side reactions are minimized