Phenylsulfenylation of 2-alkyl-1, 3-cyclopentanediones followed by oxidation and elimination is shown to give easy access to 2-alkylidene-1, 3-cyclopentanediones, a heretofore rare class of highly reactive compounds with good synthetic potential as dienophiles, Michael acceptors, etc. The synthesis of 2-phenylthio-1, 3-cyclopentanedione is given and its use as synthon for introduction of the 2-alkylidene-1, 3-cyclopentadione ...