Fe(OTf)₂‐Catalyzed <i>Thia</i>‐Michael Addition Reaction: A Green Synthetic Approach to β‐Thioethers

Abstract

A convenient Fe(OTf) 2 ‐catalyzed Michael addition reaction of thiols to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds was developed. The use of a simple procedure (EtOH, room temperature, air atmosphere) allowed to set up effective green catalytic conditions for C–S bond formation. The scope of the reaction was demonstrated using various substituted thiols and original Michael acceptors. The corresponding β‐thioethers were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 99 %). Also, the derivatization into the one‐pot thia ‐Michael addition/oxidation reaction of 3‐[3‐(phenylthio)butanoyl]oxazolidin‐2‐one using H 2 O 2 has proven to be efficient.