A convenient method for the synthesis of substituted thioureas

A convenient method for the synthesis of substituted thioureas by the reaction of primary amines with molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamates has been developed. Primary amines on reaction with 0.5 equiv of molybdenum xanthate produce the corresponding thioureas in moderate to good yields in short times. Similar reactions with propargylamine or 2-aminoethanol produce cyclic thiaoxazolidine and oxazolidine derivatives, respectively.