I have done the AlCl3/thiourea reactions many times. I may be the only one to have run the reaction to date, at least no one has publicly confirmed my work. If you have any questions about it let me know.  Works like a charm with vanillin, it is a great place to start.


Just make sure the DCM is DRY. 

I never really optimized it, but I think I was seeing about 70% molar yield. The problem is the product precipitates as it forms, and makes stirring a real pain.  It tends to trap the stir bar pretty quick.  A orbiting shaker or over head system would be better.


On the plus side, product isolation is a snap.


There are full write ups at psyconaught and SM