Metal-free synthesis of 4-methylthio-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins from 2-(2-arylvinyl)benzoic acids

Herein we report a straightforward and efficient procedure for synthesizing 4-methylthio-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins. The method involves reacting 2-(2-arylvinyl)benzoic acids with dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate under mild, metal-free conditions.