Thioesters are activated carboxylic acid derivatives which exhibit acylating properties similar to those of acid anhydrides. 1 Usually prepared by condensation of a thiol and an acid chloride, they have found widespread application in synthetic chemistry as precursors to aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, lactones, amides, lactams and heterocycles. 2 Surprisingly, in view of the diverse chemistry this functional group offers, it has attracted ...