A synthesis of oxo-thioxo[3.3.3]propellanes from dithiocarbamates and ninhydrin-malononitrile adduct.

An efficient method for the synthesis of oxo-thioxo[3.3.3]propellanes via reaction of dithiocarbamates, generated from primary amines and carbon disulfide, with the Knoevenagel adduct resulting from ninhydrin and malononitrile in [Formula: see text] at room temperature is described. These transformations are highlighted by their chemo- and regioselectivity, lack of activator or metal promoters, inert atmosphere, and formation of four new bonds in one operation.