Cobalt carbonyl catalyzed reaction of mercaptans with Schiff bases and carbon monoxide

Thiophenols and p-methylbenzyl mercaptan react with Schiff bases and carbon monoxide in benzene, in the presence of cobalt carbonyl, to give amides as the principal products. These amides arise from cleavage of the carbon–nitrogen double bond of the reactant imine. The reaction is applicable to a variety of Schiff bases (i.e. aliphatic, benzylic, aromatic). Thioesters and olefins are usually obtained as reaction by-products.