A synthesis of functionalized 2,5-diimino-thiazolidines from Nef-isocyanide adduct and 1-alkyl-3-arylthioureas

The reaction of ethyl 3-chloro-3-(alkylimino)-2-oxopropanoate (obtained from alkyl isocyanides and ethyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate) with 1-alkyl-3-arylthioureas (prepared from primary alkylamines andaryl isothiocyanates) in dry MeCN at room temperature affords ethyl 5-(alkylimino)-4-hydroxy-2-(arylimino)-3-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxylates in moderate to good yields.