An Alumina-Catalyzed Michael Addition of Mercaptans to N-Anilinomaleimides and Its Application to the Solution-Phase Parallel Synthesis of Libraries.

Abstract A novel strategy for the synthesis of 3-sulfanylsubstituted 1-(arylamino)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives via the alumina-catalyzed Michael addition of mercaptans to N-anilinomaleimides is described. The utilization of alumina in the synthesis offers important advantages such as good yields, convenience and mild conditions.