Reactions of (Benzothiazol-2-ylthio)(trimethylsilyl)methane. A General Method for α-Mercaptoalkylation by Alkylation and Alkylative Desilylation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00381a024

Readily available (benzothiazol-2-ylthio)(trimethylsilyl)methane (2a) provides a convenient synthon for HSCH^2- and enables the general conversions RR'CO -> RR'C(OH)CH(SH)R'' and RBr -> RCH(SH)SiMe3.The lithium derivative of 2a reacts with aldehydes and ketones to give Peterson olefination products which are protected vinyl mercaptans converted into vinyl mercaptans by reaction with methyllithium.This overall conversion is RR'CO -> RR'C:CHSH.