One-pot copper nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of S-aryl- and S-vinyl dithiocarbamates in water: high diastereoselectivity achieved for vinyl dithiocarbamates

A convenient, green and efficient procedure for the synthesis of aryl and vinyl dithiocarbamates has been developed by a simple one-pot three component condensation of an amine, carbon disulfide, and an aryl iodide or a styrenyl bromide catalyzed by copper nanoparticles in water. Significantly, the (E)- and (Z)-styrenyl bromides provide the corresponding (E)- and (Z)-styrenyl dithiocarbamates in high diastereoselectivities. The catalyst is recycled.