Potassium carbonate catalyzed one pot four-component synthesis of rhodanine derivatives

A novel multicomponent synthesis of ketene dithioacetal rhodanines has been reported by reactions of primary amine, carbon disulfide, ethyl chloroacetate, and alkyl halide in DMF. The catalytic effects of different bases have been investigated and potassium carbonate can efficiently catalyze the reaction in moderate to good yields at room temperature.