N-doped ZnO as an efficient photocatalyst for thiocyanation of indoles and phenols under visible-light

In this study, nitrogen-doped ZnO nanorods (N–ZnO NRs) were synthesized via a very simple hydrothermal process, fully characterized, and photocatalyst was successfully exploited in thiocyanation reactions of indoles phenols at room temperature under visible light irradiation. Two important classes aromatic compounds indoles, using N–ZnO NRs as treated with ammonium thiocyanate agent formed the corresponding thiocyano good yields. Nitrogen is one most appropriate p-type dopants that nontoxic, similar to atomic radius oxygen, lower electronegativity ionization energy than O atom. Therefore, N doping converts into semiconductor structure. This potent, simple, versatile protocol afforded indole light. The proceeded through radical pathway by applying air molecular oxygen low cost environmentally friendly terminal oxidant. proposed mechanism based on control experiments thoroughly described.