Formation of acetaldehyde enolate from vinyl acetate and its reaction with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes: an efficient synthesis of enals and polyenals

Two carbon homologation of aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes is achieved by reacting them with acetaldehyde enolate anion generated in situ by cleaving vinyl acetate in the presence of barium hydroxide. cross aldol condensation - two carbon homologation - dienals - bismethylthioacrolein - ethyl 3,3-bis(methylthio)-2-propenoate