Abstract: This invention concerns monosubstituted dithiooxamides, and a preferred class comprises those wherein the substituent is such that the resulting dithiooxamide derivative is substantially nonvolatile at about room temperature. Preferred materials are those for which when the monosubstituent dithiooxamide is complexed with a transition metal cation, the resulting polymer is substantially a dark, i.e., preferably blue or blue-black color. Carbonless paper constructions involving use of N-(monosubstituted)dithiooxamides to advantage are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis of N-(monosubstituted)dithiooxamides by the transamination of dithiooxamide. Preferred methods, according to the present invention, take advantage of the discovery that yields of N-(monosubstituted)dithiooxamides can be improved in the Wallach Reaction by: controlling the temperature of the reaction mixture; optimizing the initial concentration of the reactants; adding an effective amount of acid in the quenching or processing procedure; and/or, optionally, adding an effective amount of certain nitrogen bases to the reaction mixture.