Multicomponent Synthesis of Bicyclic Thiazolidinethiones and Oxazolidinones in Water

A powerful three-component reaction for the synthesis of bicyclic thiazolidinethiones and oxazolidinones at room temp. in water, starting from readily available amines, chloroacetaldehyde, and CS2/CO2, is described. A simple one-pot procedure allows the construction of two new cyclic systems and four new bonds, with all reactants being efficiently utilized in this transformation. KHCO3 is used as a productive source of CO2. Broad potential for derivatization is demonstrated.