An operationally simple and efficient approach to hitherto unreported and synthetically
demanding 1,3-oxathiolan-2-ylidenes has been developed. The approach involves a cascade
[2+3] heteroannulation of α-enolic dithioesters with epoxides promoted by non-nucleophilic
moderate base Cs2CO3 at room temperature. Typical features of this strategy include metal-free mild reaction
conditions, atom-economy, high yields, and efficacy of forming two consecutive C–S
and C–O bonds, and one ring in a single stroke. MeSH is the only by-product, and the
stereochemistry of the exocyclic α-oxoketene moiety of 1,3-oxathiolane was assigned
to have Z-configuration.
Key words
epoxides - oxathiolanes - heteroannulation - metal-free conditions - regioselective
- cascade reaction