An electrophilic thiocyanation/ipso-cyclization leading to spirocyclohexadienones

An efficient AlCl 3 catalyzed thiocyanation/ ipso -cyclization of N -( p -methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropionamide to construct thiocyanato-containing spirocyclohexadienones under mild conditions. A Lewis acid-catalyzed cyclization of N -( p -methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropionamide with N -thiocyanosuccinimide has been accomplished under mild conditions. Thus, a series of thiocyanato-containing spirocyclohexadienones was obtained in moderate to excellent yields with a good functional group tolerance and a wide range of substrates. It provides an alternative approach for the synthesis of functionalized spirocyclohexadienones.