PREPARATION OF OLEFINS BY PYROLYSIS OF O-ALKYL DIMETHYLTHIOCARBAMATES

Pyrolysis of O-alkyl dimethylthiocarbamates which contain a β hydrogen affords olefins in high yield. The temperature required for pyrolysis is somewhat lower than that needed for the pyrolysis of the corresponding xanthates and is much lower than that needed for acetates. The required O-alkyl dimethylthiocarbamates of primary and secondary alcohols were prepared from the corresponding sodium alkoxides and dimethylthiocarbamyl chloride in 80-90% yields. O-Neopentyl dimethylthiocarbamate is recovered unchanged when heated to 300°. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.