Green Catalytic Method for Hydrothiolation of Allylamines: An External Electric Field

Based on the idea of environmental friendliness, we first studied the hydrothiolation reactions of thiophenol with allylamine using a green catalyst─an external electric field (EEF). The hydrothiolation reactions could occur through Markovnikov addition (path M) and anti-Markovnikov addition (path AM) pathways. The calculation results demonstrated that when the EEF was oriented along F–X, F–Y, and F+Z directions, path M was accelerated. However, it is favorable for path AM only when the EEF is oriented along the +X and −Y-axes. In addition, the introduction of the EEF further increased and lowered the differences of the reaction barrier as the EEF was oriented along F–X, F–Y, and F+X directions. The solvent effects were also considered in this work. Hopefully, this unprecedented and green catalytic method for the hydrothiolation reactions of allylamine may provide guidance in the lab.