A multicomponent reaction efficiently producing arylmethylene 2-thiohydantoins

We describe here a multicomponent reaction that converts aryl/heteroaryl aldehydes efficiently into arylmethylene 2-thiohydantoins. 3-Formylindole behaves exceptionally giving a gem-diacetylthio derivative. A mechanistic study of the behaviour of 3-formylindole, which provides a new class of indole derivative, is described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.