Thionation of a cyanoxime derivative to form the sulphur-containing derivative, a novel ligand for complexation with transitional metal ions

2-Cyano-2-(hydroxyimino)dithioacetic acid was prepared starting from cyanoacetic acid methylester via 2-cyano-2-(hydroxyimino)acetic acid methylester. Before thionation, the ester had to be hydrolyzed. The optimum conditions for each reaction were identified. P 4 S 10 was found to be the efficient thionation reactant resulting in the formation of the dithionated product. Its structure was verified with IR, NMR and mass spectrometric measurements.