Synthesis of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and methyl carboxylic esters from 2-acetylenic phenyl sulfides.

2-Alkynylthio benzenes were reduced to 2-Alkenylthio benzenes with diisobutyl aluminum hydride. Mono chlorination of these compounds with sulfuryl chloride and pyridine followed by hydrolysis, in the presence of Cu-II salts, gave alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes. 2-Alkynylthio benzenes were converted into 2-Alkynyl 1,1-bis thiobenzenes by monochlorination with sulfuryl chloride and pyridine followed by treatment with thiophenol and triethylamine. These substances were then converted to alpha,beta-unsaturated methyl carboxylic esters by way of isomerization with sodium methoxide to the corresponding allene and treatment with hydrochloric acid and methanolysis in the presence of iodine.