Preparation of thioamide building blocks via microwave-promoted three-component kindler reactions

A microwave-enhanced variation of the Kindler thioamide synthesis is introduced. Taking advantage of the sealed vessel capabilities of a dedicated single-mode microwave reacto,r a diverse selection of 13 aldehyde and 12 amine precursors was utilized in the construction of a representative 34-member library of substituted thioamides. The three-component condensations of aldehydes, amines, and elemental sulfur were carried out using 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent employing microwave flash heating at 110-180 degrees C for 2-20 min. A simple workup protocol allows the isolation of synthetically valuable primary, secondary, and tertiary thioamide building blocks in 83% average yield and >90% purity.