4′-(Methylthio)acetophenone may be used for the synthesis of Vioxx (Rofecoxib), an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may be used in the synthesis of (E)-1-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one.
4′-(Methylthio)acetophenone (4-(Methylthio)acetophenone, p-(methylthio) acetophenone, 4-MTAP) is a sulphur containing organic building block. It is a key intermediate in drug synthesis. Its industrial preparation, via Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction in the presence of aluminium chloride as catalyst and acetyl chloride as acylating agent has been reported. It has been prepared by the acetylation reaction of thioanisole with acetic anhydride in the presence of solid acid catalyst.
