Electrosynthesis of 4-Aryl-2-Thiazolidinone Derivatives from Aryl Alkenes with KSCN and H₂O

A novel electrochemical method for the direct synthesis of 2-thiazolidinone derivatives is reported. Readily available aryl alkenes, KSCN and H₂O are utilized as starting materials to produce 4-aryl-2-thiazolidinones in moderate to satisfactory yields. KSCN acts as a radical precursor and nucleophile, while H₂O participates in the formation of carbamoyl groups, ensuring high atom economy. The reaction proceeds under mild and environmentally friendly conditions, constructing the 2-thiazolidinone heterocycle without the need for metals, catalysts, external oxidants, or sacrificial agents. It exhibits excellent product diversity and functional-group tolerance. The reaction is conducted in an undivided cell under open-air conditions and is operationally simple. Late-stage modification of natural products, and scale-up synthesis further demonstrate the practical application of the method.