The Reformatsky analogous reaction for the synthesis of novel β-thioxoesters via using aroyl isothiocyanates under solvent-free ball milling and conventional conditions

The classical Reformatsky reaction, initially described in 1887, is considered one of the most useful ways of forming C–C bonds. The target of this work includes improving the Reformatsky reaction between aroyl isothiocyanates and α-haloesters using metallic zinc to form β-thioxoesters (3–11). In this procedure, a new metal-mediated carbon–carbon linkage is formed with the formation of an organozinc halide and decomposition due to the presence of dilute acid, affording a good yield of the desired product via conventional techniques and ball milling. The Reformatsky reaction requires no solvent and no inert gases.