Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-one Derivatives

Ethyl [4-oxo-3-(2-oxo-2-arylethyl)thiazolidin-2-ylidene]acetates and [4-oxo-3-(2-oxo-2-arylethyl)thiazolidin-2-ylidene]acetonitriles were shown to react with substituted benzaldehydes at the endocyclic methylene group leading to the corresponding 5-arylmethylidene derivatives. Their treatment with DMF • POCl3 complex yielded 3-oxo-5-aroyl-2-arylmethylidene-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-7-carboxylic acids ethyl esters and -7-carbonitriles. The structures of the pyrrolothiazoles were confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic study, which indicated the (Z)-configuration at the arylmethylidene moiety.