Recent developments of ketene dithioacetal chemistry

Ketene dithioacetals are versatile intermediates in organic synthesis. Extensive research, since the last decade, has given rise to new prospects in their chemistry. The objective of this review is twofold: first, to highlight the new prospects in the chemistry of functionalized ketene dithioacetals, and second, to provide an intrinsic link between ketene dithioacetal groups and a variety of other functional groups, which has brought out many new facts that will assist in future designs.

An unexpected synthesis of ketene monothioacetals

Some dithiocarbonates (xanthates) can be converted into ketene monothioacetals through extrusion of sulfur upon treatment with base and an alkylating agent.