A superior procedure for the conversion of 3-oxoesters to 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones

The combination of P4S10, sulfur, and hexamethyldisiloxane converts 3-oxoesters to 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones in yields generally superior to those obtained with Lawesson's reagent and without the need for chromatography to remove large amounts of phosphorous-containing byproducts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.