Interrupted oligomerization revisited: simple and efficient one-pot multicomponent approach to versatile synthetic intermediates.

A novel multicomponent reaction allowing for a one-pot formation of three carbon-carbon bonds has been developed. It is based on in situ generation and anionic dimerization of methylenedithiane and produces a versatile synthetic equivalent of 4-hydroxy-1,3-alkanediones which, among other things, offers expeditious one-pot access to 3(2H)-furanones.