Highly efficient synthesis of alkyl and aryl primary thiocarbamates and dithiocarbamates under metal- and solvent-free conditions.

A highly efficient, metal-free and solvent-free process is reported for the preparation of novel series of alkyl and aryl primary thiocarbamates and dithiocarbamates through the reaction of aliphatic alcohols, phenols and thiols with thiocyanate salts in the presence of 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as an inexpensive, readily available and amphipathic acid reagent. All reactions proceeded smoothly, and the products are obtained in good to excellent yields. Using this method, a wide range of structurally diverse primary thiocarbamates was prepared successfully.