Alkyl thiocyanates undergo simple SN2 reactions with the counter ions of quaternary phosphonium salts in nonpolar solvents and thiocyanate ions are liberated as the leaving ion. Depending on the nucleophile, the reaction proceeded irreversibly or reversibly. The reaction of benzyl thiocyanate with azide ions afforded a quantitative yield of benzyl azide. The reactions of alkyl thiocyanates with halide ions gave an equilibrium mixture where the ...