Synthesis of functionalized iminolactones via an isocyanide-based three-component reaction

A three-component reaction of the zwitterions generated from isocyanides and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate with 1-(4-bromophenyl)-2-thiocyanatoethanone or 1-phenyl-2-thiocyanatoethanone is described. The reaction afforded the corresponding special type of functionalized iminolactone derivatives in good yields at room temperature without using a catalyst.