Synthesis of novel β-aryl-β-(methylthio)acroleins via Vilsmeier–Haack protocol as potential 1,3-dielectrophilic three-carbon building blocks

A new general route for the synthesis of novel β-aryl-β-(methylthio)acroleins, a class of stable potential 1,3-dielectrophilic synthons, has been reported. The overall protocol involves treatment of either β-chloroacroleins or their precursor iminium salts (generated in situ from the corresponding active methylene ketones under Vilsmeier–Haack reaction conditions) with S,S-dimethyldithiocarbonates (DDC)/aqueous KOH in either a one-pot or two-step process. The dimethyldithiocarbonate (DDC)/30% aqueous KOH has been shown to be an excellent source of methylthiolate anion.