Synthesis of esters of mercaptocarboxylic acids

摘要

Esters of formula:in which X denotes a C1-C4 alkylene radical and R a C1-C18 alkyl radical, are prepared by reaction of a hydrosulphide with the corresponding halocarboxylic ester:where Y denotes a chlorine or bromine atom. The reaction is performed under a hydrogen sulphide pressure of at least 10 bars absolute, and preferably in an anhydrous or substantially anhydrous alcoholic medium.