Base-promoted in situ generation of methyl acrylate from dimethyl 3,3′-dithiodipropionate.: Application to N-alkylation of heterocycles

In basic medium, dimethyl 3,3'-dithiopropionate generates methyl acrylate, which serves in situ as a source of propionate moiety. This property was applied to the alkylation of indoles and other nitrogen heterocycles leading to a series of 3-(heteroaryl-substituted) propionates. A mechanistic rationale for the generation of acrylate is presented along with supportive experimental data.