Convergent integration of three self-sorting domino sequences: three-component direct synthesis of 3-methylthio-4-aryl-maleimides from methyl ketones with acetonitrile and DMSO

An I2-promoted three-component coupling reaction was described for the construction of 3-(methylthio)-4-aryl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-diones from methyl ketones with acetonitrile and DMSO. This transformation involved the in situ generation and application of α-ketoimides. Furthermore, DMSO was converted to DMS in situ, which subsequently served as a methylthiolation reagent in the reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this protocol provided the first known example of convergent integration of three self-sorting domino sequences.