A convenient synthesis of some α-oxoketene-N,S- and N,N-acetals

Some α-oxoketene-N,S- and N,N-acetals were selectively synthesized in good to excellent yields by the reaction of 1,1-dimethoxy-4,4-di(methylthio)-3-buten-2-one with primary and secondary amines under moderate conditions. Secondary amines in reaction with α-oxoketene dithioacetal yielded double-substitution products exclusively, whereas primary amines under the same conditions yielded the mono-substituted products as exclusive or main products.