Microwave assisted free radical cyclisation of alkenyl and alkynyl isocyanides with thiols

Alkenyl and alkynyl isocyanides were synthesised and then reacted, using microwave flash-heating technology, with thiophenol, 2-mercaptoethanol and ethanethiol, in the presence of a radical initiator, to give highly functionalised pyrrolines and pyroglutamates. Direct comparison with results obtained using traditional heating techniques showed the advantage of using the microwave technology in terms of faster reactions and better yields. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.