PPh3/I2 Promoted Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Disulfides from Sodium Sulfites and 2-Mercaptobenzo Heterocyclics

J Org Chem. 2023 Sep 15;88(18):13272-13278. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01575. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Abstract

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides is reported. Using sodium sulfites and 2-mercaptobenzo heterocyclic compounds as starting materials, the unsymmetrical sulfur-sulfur bonds could be quickly constructed in the PPh3/I2 reaction system under transition-metal-free conditions. This protocol has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, easily available starting materials, and wide substrate scope, showing potential synthetic value for the synthesis of a diversity of biologically or pharmaceutically active compounds.