Reaction and characterization of thioamide dianions derived from N-benzyl thioamides

Thioamide dianions were generated by the highly efficient reaction of N-benzyl thioamides with 2 equiv of BuLi. Alkylation, allylation, and silylation took place selectively at the carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom of the thioamide dianions. Oxiranes and an aldehyde were also used as electrophiles in the reaction of thioamide dianions to form N-thioacyl 1,3- or 1,2-amino alcohols. The insertion reaction of elemental sulfur to a thioamide dianion and subsequent ethylation afforded a N-thioacyl hemithioaminal. NMR studies on the thioamide mono- and dianions derived from N-benzyl 2-methoxythiobenzamide showed a linear relationship between the chemical shifts of all carbon atoms of thioamide mono- and dianions. The results also suggested that the negative charge at the benzylic carbon atom of the dianion is not fully delocalized. The charge distribution patterns of the dianion are consistent with those of pi polarization.