N-Arylcyanothioformamides: Preparation Methods and Application in the Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules

This comprehensive review discusses the various preparation methods of N-arylcyanothioformamides and highlights the diverse chemistry and application of such reagents in organic synthesis since they were first reported. Specifically, the review describes applications of the preceding reagents in the preparation of the highly bioactive heterocyclic imidazolidineiminothiones, bis-imidazolidineiminothiones and derivatives thereof. The review also demonstrates how N-arylcyanothioformamides provide access to the highly coveted luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging applications. As well, the review showcases the metal complexation chemistry of N-arylcyanothioformamides and the regiochemical outcome of its reactions with isocyanates versus isothiocyanates. Many examples are provided from the literature to show the scope and selectivity (regio, stereo, and chemo) in these transformations.