A simple and convenient method for the preparation of vicinal alkoxythiocyano-and alkoxyiodoalkanes is described. The reaction of olefins with copper (II) salts, such as chloride, bromide and sulfate, and potassium thiocyanate or iodide in alcohols readily affords the compounds in good yields. From vinyl acetates, alkyl vinyl ethers and α, β- unsaturated aldehydes, the products are obtained in the form of dialkyl acetals. The ...