Synthesis of Densely Substituted 1,3-Butadienes through Acid-Catalyzed Alkenylations of α‑Oxoketene Dithioacetals with Aldehydes

Aldehydes were proved to be viable reagents for implementing alkenylation of α-oxoketene dithioacetals. AlCl3 was found to be the best catalyst. The established reaction opened an avenue to access densely substituted 1,3-butadiene derivatives. The obtained product bears multiple reactive sites that can be converted into various valuable molecules.