Reactivity of substituted 4-oxothiazolidine derivatives in electron transfer reactions: A spectroelectrochemical study and mechanistic aspects

► Spectroelectrochemical study on (5-R-4-oxothiazolidin)-N-phenylethanamide in DMSO. ► R=ethoxycarbonylethylidene (2), R=ethoxycarbonylmethyl (1). ► Proposed mechanism: common intermediate-dianion. ► Bielectronic reduction 2+2e-, or 1-2H+ in basic DMSO. ► E/Z isomerization, tautomerization, push-pull effect.