Synthesis of new hydantoin-3-ethanethiol derivatives

5-sec-Butylthiomethyl-5-alkyl (methyl or phenyl) hydantoins (3−x) were prepared by the reaction of sec-butylthiomethyl alkyl (methyl or phenyl) ketone (1–2), potassium cyanide and ammonium carbonate. 3-(2-Bromoethyl) hydantoins (5–6) were the reaction products of 5-sec-butylthiomethyl-5-alkyl (methyl or phenyl) hydantoin and 1,2-dibromoethane in the presence of potassium hydroxide. Alkylation of5 and6 with an excess of alkyl (methyl or ethyl) iodide in THF with sodium hydride as base gave three 1-alkyl (methyl or ethyl)-3-(2-bromoethyl) hydantoins (7–9). Treatment of the 2-bromoethyl group with potassium thioacetate and triethylamine gave three 1-alkyl (methyl or ethyl)-3-(2-acetylthioethyl) hydantoins (10–12). Hydrolysis of the 2-acetylthioethyl group with sodium hydroxide in methanol afforded the three 1-alkyl (methyl or ethyl)-3-(2-mercaptoethyl) hydantoins.