Three-component one-pot synthetic route to 2-amino-5-alkylidene-thiazol-4-ones

A fast and straightforward three-component reaction to 2-amino-5-alkylidene-thiazol-4-ones is described. The one-pot methodology, reported for the first time, involves Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes and rhodanine followed by displacement of the thiocarbonyl sulfur with primary or secondary amines in the same reaction mixture. The reactions were performed using a dedicated microwave reactor, which enabled short reaction times and easy work-up.