Abstract: As the α-elaboration strategy of the versatile α-oxo ketenedithioacetals, 2-(1,2-ethylene/1,3-propylenedithio)methylene-3-oxo-butyryl chlorides(3) were prepared via the sequential base-catalyzed hydrolysis of ethyl 2-(1,2-ethylene/1,3-propylenedithio)methylene-3-oxo- butyrate (1) and followed chlorination by sulfur oxychloride. 2-(1,2-Ethylene/1,3-propylenedithio)methylene-1-aryl- butane -1,3-diones(4) were synthesized by the Friedel-Crafts acylation of selected arenes with compound 3.

Key words: 2-(1,2-Ethylene/1,3-propylenedithio)methylene-3-oxo-butyryl chlorides, 2-(1,2-Ethylene/1,3-propylenedithio)methylene-1-aryl-butane-1,3-diones, Acylation reaction