Synthesis of β-sulfanyl ketones via a tandem rearrangement-conjugate addition reaction catalyzed by a Re(V)-oxo complex

A method for synthesizing β-sulfanyl ketones via a tandem rearrangement and conjugate addition reaction has been developed. This methodology provides access to a range of β-sulfanyl ketones through the rearrangement of propargyl alcohols to the corresponding enones followed by the conjugate addition of unactivated thiols. The one-pot, tandem transformation is catalyzed by ReOCl3(OPPh3)(S(CH3)2) affording aryl and alkyl β-sulfanyl ketones in good to excellent yield.