α/β-Mercaptoalkanoic acids: versatile synthons in the syntheses of fused ring 4-thiazolidinones/thiazolinones/thiazinanones ring system (s).

This review describes the reactions of β-mercaptoalkanoic acids as building blocks for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized thiazolidinones with pharmacological interest. Annelated thiazolidinones were prepared by a cyclocondensation reaction of α/β-mercaptoalkanoic acids with aldimines. This reaction takes place by a nucleophilic addition, followed by cyclization concomitant with elimination of water. The objective of this survey is to provide a comprehensive account of the synthetic utility of β-mercaptoalkanoic acids to build various heterocycles and their potential to develop better chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]