The gas-phase reactions of sulphur with amines and related compounds: a novel synthesis of thaizoles

Abstract

The reactions of sulphur with amines and their derivatives, e.g., imines and thioamides, have been studied at 500°. Dehydrogenation of the amines occurs with the formation of imines, which subsequently react to produce thiazoles. Reactants possessing alkyl groups not greater than C₃(branched) give good yields, and a variety of thiazoles can thus be prepared from a range of starting materials. Of the imines investigated, ethylidene-methylamine, ethylidene-ethylamine, isopropylidene-methylamine, and n-propylidene-methylamine form thiazole (28·5%), 2-methyl-thiazole (57·0%), 4-methylthiazole (39·5%), and 5-methylthiazole (13·4%), respectively.