Synthesis 2011(5): 711-714  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1258414
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

A New Synthetic Protocol for the Preparation of Carbodiimides Using a Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent

Chenjie Zhu, Dan Xu, Yunyang Wei*
School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P. R. of China
Fax: +86(25)84317078; e-Mail: ywei@mail.njust.edu.cn;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 15 November 2010
Publication Date:
17 January 2011 (online)

Abstract

A new, simple, and efficient preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical carbodiimides from the corresponding thioureas via dehydrosulfurization using a hypervalent iodine(III) reagent is described. The oxidation afforded carbodiimides in excellent yields and high selectivity. A possible mechanism for the transformation is proposed.