6a-Thiathiophthens and related compounds. Part I. Synthesis of 2-methylthio-6a-thiathiophthens

Abstract

Methyl benzoyldithioacetate and methyl ethoxycarbonyl-dithioacetate condense with 3-methylthio-1,2-dithiolium salts giving 2-methylthio-6a-thiathiophthens in high yields. The method has been extended to the synthesis of 2,5-bismethylthio-3-phenyl-6a-thiathiophthen which has also been prepared from 5-benzyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione by base-catalysed reaction with carbon disulphide and subsequent methylation. The reactions of 3-benzoyl-2-methylthio-5-phenyl-6a-thiathiophthen with mercuric acetate and ethanolic sodium ethoxide are reported.