An efficient synthesis of N-substituted 3-nitrothiophen-2-amines

Abstract

A novel protocol for the synthesis of 3-nitro-N-aryl/alkylthiophen-2-amines in good yields from the reaction of α-nitroketene N,S-aryl/alkylaminoacetals and 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol in the presence of K2CO3 in refluxing ethanol is described. This transformation generates two C-C bonds in a single operation and presumably proceeds through a reaction sequence comprising 2-mercaptoacetaldehyde generation, nucleophilic carbonyl addition, annelation and elimination steps.