Bi(OTf)3 catalyzed synthesis of acyclic β-sulfanyl ketones via a tandem Meyer-Schuster rearrangement/conjugate addition reaction

Abstract A new strategy to prepare acyclic β-carbonyl thioethers from propargyl alcohols and sulfur nucleophiles is reported. The investigation of the reaction substrates scope indicated that primary 3-aryl propargyl alcohols and thiols underwent the transformation smoothly. The reaction probably proceeded a Bi(OTf) 3 -catalyzed tandem Meyer-Schuster rearrangement of 3-aryl propargyl alcohol, followed by a thiol Michael conjugate addition of thiols to in situ generated α, β-unsaturated ketones. The method was 100% atom economic, high-yielding, and easy to handle, making it a valuable method for the construction of β-carbonyl sulfides.