In Situ Generation of n‐Butanethiol and Its Reaction with Electron‐Deficient Olefines

Abstract

n‐Butanethiol is generated in situ by sequential addition of n‐butyllithium and water to elemental sulfur. The n‐butanethiol formed was reacted with electron‐deficient olefines to give Michael‐type addition products in good yields. The method avoids the manipulation of the bad‐smelling n‐butanethiol.

Keywords:

• Michael addition
• thiols
• α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compound

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge CNPq and FAPESP for support. R. A. Gariani thanks CAPES for a PhD fellowship.