Unsaturated Vilsmeier-Haack reaction

The methylene carbon atom in a condensed 4-thiazolidinone flanked by a sulfur atom and a carbonyl group possesses enhanced nucleophilic activity and attacks an electrophilic center with ease. If the structure permits, the reaction product loses a molecule of water, and an unsaturated derivative is formed. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base which abstracts a methylene proton. It is the anion thus formed that attacks the electrophilic center. Generally, the anion condenses with aromatic aldehydes, nitroso compounds, aryidiazonium salts, and ethyl orthoformate, as well as undergoing Vilsmeier-Haack and Mannich reactions. 

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