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.