Sodium hydride induced condensation of methyl ketones with S -methyl O -phenyl carbonodithioate: a regiospecific synthesis of β-oxodithioesters

In this article, we disclose a regiospecific condensation of methyl ketones with S-methyl O-phenyl carbonodithioate in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF for the synthesis of β-oxodithioesters. The present method is easy and efficient with respect to yield and substrate scope. A probable mechanism of formation of β-oxodithioesters is also given. Our approach overcomes limitations such as commercially discontinued substrates, difficulties in preparing thionating substrates, lengthy synthetic steps and requirement of high temperatures.