Direct Photocatalytic S-H Bond Cyanation with Green "CN" Source.

Herein we report a novel C-S bond cleavage and reconstruction strategy for the synthesis of thiocyanates through direct photocatalytic S-H bond cyanation from thiols and inorganic thiocyanate salts. In our strategy, the unprecedented example of cutting off C-S bond of SCN- to deliver the green "CN" sources is demonstrated. This transformation features nontoxic and inexpensive "CN" sources, available starting materials, metal-/base-/ligand-/peroxide-free, high step economy and mild conditions. It leads to the construction of various thiocyanates and some medicinally and biologically active thiocyanate-containing molecules.