A switchable and benign protocol for chemoselectivesynthesis of sulfoxides and α-alkoxy-β-ketothioethers has been developed. It was determined that various thiophenols and alkenes/alkynes are compatible to realize the target compounds from a medium to a high yield by regulating the reaction temperature. In particular, methanol not only served as a solvent but also participated in the reaction process
A general and efficient method for the synthesis of 4-sulfenylated oxazoles is described. Trisubstituted oxazoles are obtained in good to excellent yields from β-keto sulfoxides and nitriles. The mechanistic study suggests that the reaction proceeds via the nucleophilic addition of nitriles to the in situ formed α-carbonyl cation followed by intramolecular cyclization.