Base-Controlled Three Component Reactions of Amines, Elemental Sulfur, and Styrenes: Synthesis of Thioamides under Metal-Free Conditions.

Three component reactions of olefins, amines, and sulfur were studied. Thioamidation of styrenes is base-controlled, and 2-phenylethanethioamides and benzothioamides were obtained selectively in the presence of two different bases. This protocol offers a simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of thioamides.