Synthesis of 2-(arylthio)benzoates by [3+3] cyclocondensations of 3-arylthio-1-silyloxy-1,3-butadienes with 3-oxo-orthoesters, 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane and 1,1-bis(methylthio)-1-en-3-ones

A variety of 2-arylthio-4-methoxybenzoates are regioselectively prepared by TiCl4-mediated [3+3] cyclocondensations of 3-arylthio-1-trimethylsilyloxy-1,3-butadienes with 3-oxo-orthoesters. Unsubstituted 2-(arylthio)benzoates were prepared by Me3SiOTf-catalyzed cyclization of 3-arylthio-1-trimethylsilyloxy-1,3-butadienes with 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane. The TiCl4-mediated cyclization of 3-arylthio-1-trimethylsilyloxy-1,3-butadienes with 1,1-bis(methylthio)-1-en-3-ones results in regioselective formation of 2-arylthio-6-(methylthio)benzoates.