DIB-Driven Metal-Free Desulfurization: A Green Pathway to Thioureas and Cyanamides

Abstract:

DIB (diacetoxyiodobenzene) was used as an alternative desulfurizing agent to synthesize thioureas and cyanamides under an aqueous micellar medium. The process eliminates the drawbacks of reported methods by performing the reaction in water at room temperature. Consequently, it represents a "green" and practical approach. The reaction effectively handles both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing amines and alkyl groups. It produces mono- and disubstituted products in moderate to high yields. This method can be used to develop bioactive thiourea derivatives, often found in antiviral and antibacterial drugs, while meeting strict "Green Chemistry" regulatory standards.