Chemistry of thienopyridines. VII. Mechanistic studies on the synthesis of thieno[2,3-c] pyridine by thermolytic cyclization

A study was made of the formation of thieno[2,3-c]pyridine (1) from hydrogen sulfide and 4-vinylpyridine in a flow system at 630°. 2-(4-Pyridyl)ethanethiol and bis-2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl sulfide were found to be likely intermediates. Based on these studies, there was devised a two-step practical preparative method for I (optimum overall yield 58%) which consists of preliminary conversion of 4-vinylpyridine to benzyl 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl sulfide and subsequent thermolysis (at 605°) of this substance.