A Convenient Synthesis of α-(2-Benzothiazolylthio)alkanoates by Cleavage of β-Keto Esters with 2-Benzothiazolesulfenamides

Abstract α-(2-Benzothiazolylthio)alkanoates were prepared by the reaction of β-keto esters with 2-(morpholinothio)benzothiazole in refluxing alcohols. Sulfenylating cleavage of α-methoxycarbonylcycloalkanones afforded the corresponding ω-alkoxycarbonyl- and/or ω-carbamoyl-α-(2-benzothiazolylthio)alkanoates.