An alumina-catalyzed Michael addition of mercaptans to N-anilinomaleimides and its application to the solution-phase parallel synthesis of libraries

A novel strategy for the synthesis of 3-sulfanylsubstituted 1-(arylamino)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives via the alumina-catalyzed Michael addition of mercaptans to N-anilinomaleimides is described. The utilization of alumina in the synthesis offers important advantages such as good yields, convenience and mild conditions.