A new method for the synthesis of α-thio aldehydes and alcohols from aldehydes with one-carbon elongation

A two-step and high-yield method for the synthesis of α-thio aldehydes from aldehydes with one-carbon elongation is realized by using chloromethyl phenyl sulfoxide as a one-carbon homologating agent. The α-thio aldehydes are easily converted to desulfurized alcohols with Bu3SnH and AIBN in refluxing benzene in good yield.