Ring-transformation equilibrium with participation of π-bonded S in an isothiazole system. Synthesis of non-ring-transformed 5-(2-aminovinyl)isothiazole derivative via 1,3-silyl group shift

Substituents at 5-position of 5-amino-3-methyl- and 3-p-chlorophenyl-5-methylisothiazoles (7 and 8) were silylated and then lithiated to couple with aromatic nitriles in order to afford the adducts (4 and 5) via 1,3-silyl group shift. Desilylation of 5 with TBAF gave solely non-ring-transformed product (3-α-form). By using the pure sample of 3-α-form, the reversible ring-trans- formation (bond switch) was observed under neutral conditions for the first time.