Synthesis of Hitherto Unknown 4,4-Bis(methylthio)but-3-en-2-one-1,1,1,3-d4 and its Application as 1,3-Dielectrophilic Building Block for the Synthesis of Deuterated Heterocycles and Aromatics

Acetone-d6 has been transformed for the first time to 4,4-bis(methylthio)but-3-en-2-one- 1,1,1,3-d4. This tetradeutero-α-oxoketenedithioacetal is shown to be an excellent 1,3-dielectrophilic building block for the synthesis of 5- and 6-membered deuterated heterocycles and aromatics.