Photochemical reactions of some aromatic thiones with bis(methylthio)ethyne; (4 + 2)‐ versus (2 + 2)‐cycloaddition products. Spectroscopic evidence for the equilibrium thiete ⇄ α,β‐unsaturated dithioester

Abstract

AbstractIrradiation (λ > 525 nm) of the aromatic thiones 2 in the presence of bis(methylthio)ethyne 3 causes two cycloaddition reactions to occur between the photochemically excited thione 2 and the acetylene 3, as concluded from the isolated products. Compounds with structure 6 are believed to be products of a (4 + 2)‐cycloaddition reaction, whereas the formation of the isolated α,β‐unsaturated dithio esters 4 is rationalised on the basis of a (2 + 2)‐cycloaddition reaction. The preference for one reaction pathway over the other depends on the thione used and is discussed in terms of the structure of the thione 2. Spectroscopic observation of the equilibrium thiete 5 ⇌ α,β‐unsaturated dithio ester 4, in solution provides direct evidence for the (2 + 2)‐photocycloadducts, thietes 5.