Solvent-Controlled Synthesis of Thiocyanated Enaminones and 2-Aminothiazoles from Enaminones, KSCN, and NBS.

An effective and simple solvent-controlled synthesis of thiocyanated enaminones and 2-aminothiazoles has been demonstrated from enaminones, potassium thiocyanate, and N-bromosuccinimide. This process features mild reaction conditions, simple and easy operation, short reaction time, and high yield and chemoselectivity and thereby provides an efficient protocol for the divergent synthesis of thiocyanated enaminones and substituted 2-aminothiazoles controlled by simply varying the solvent. All reaction components are commercially available or easily accessible at low cost. The potential utility of these methods in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry applications is highlighted.