Lewis base-catalyzed cascade [4 + 2]-annulation reaction of N -alkoxy acrylamides and acyl isothiocyanates: facile access to 2-imino-1,3-thiazinone derivatives.

A formal [4 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of N -alkoxy acrylamides and acyl isothiocyanates was developed via a Lewis base-catalyzed cascade aza-nucleophilic addition/thio-Michael addition process under mild conditions. This study provides a facile approach for preparing 2-imino-1,3-thiazinone derivatives in moderate to excellent yields and enriches the field of heterocyclic acrylamide chemistry. The reported method features metal-free reaction conditions, high atom economy, and easy operation. Moreover, the reaction was successfully scaled up and derivatization reactions were successfully performed.