Base Controlled Three-Component Regioselective Synthesis of 2-Imino Thiazolines and 2-Thioxoimidazolin-4-ones.

Base-controlled regioselective synthesis of 2-imino thiazolines and 2-thioxoimidazolin-4-ones was achieved to use a one-pot reaction between chiral amino esters, isothiocyanates, and α-bromoketones/alkyl halides. This three-component coupling reaction in acetonitrile provides 2-imino thiazolines, whereas the formation of 2-thioxoimidazolin-4-ones was observed under basic conditions at ambient temperature. The corresponding products were obtained in good to excellent yield with broad substrate scope. Isolation of thiourea and thiohydantoin intermediates disclosed the course of the reaction mechanism.