Condensation of dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with thioacetamides gave the corresponding alkyl (3-oxo-2,3-dihydrothiophen-2-ylidene)- and (4-oxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetates. Treatment of these compounds with zinc in acetic acid resulted in reduction of the exocyclic double bonds. The products can be used in membrane processes as sodium cation carriers.
2-(Alkoxycarbonylmethylidene)-4-aryl-5- (dialkylamino)thiophen-3(2H)-ones were synthesized by condensation of N,N-(dialkyl)warylthioacetamides with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates. Intermediate substituted vinylic sulfides were isolated. When heated or in the presence of an acid or a base, they undergo cyclization into thiophenes.