Solvent‐free Thia‐Michael Addition Reactions Using 3‐[Bis(alkylthio)methylene]pentane‐2,4‐diones as Efficient and Odorless Thiol Equivalents

Abstract

3-[Bis(alkylthio)methylene]pentane-2,4-diones (1a and 1b) have been investigated as nonthiolic and odorless thiol equivalents for thia-Michael addition reactions under solvent-free conditions. Promoted by HCl (aq.), the cleavage of compounds 1 took place, and the in-situ generated thiols underwent facile conjugate addition to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds 2 affording the corresponding β-keto sulfides 3 in high yields.