Controlled Ni-catalyzed mono- and double-decarbonylations of α-ketothioesters.

A method for Ni-catalyzed controlled decarbonylation of alpha-ketothioesters is described. Mono- and double-decarbonylations, which gave thioesters and thioethers, respectively, were selectively achieved by changing the ligand. A fundamental study of Ni-catalyzed decarbonylation of alpha-ketothioesters is presented.