Thiolation of Terminal Alkynes with Thiuram Disulfide Reagents Using Water as the Hydrogen Source: Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)-Vinyl Sulfides

J Org Chem. 2023 Dec 15;88(24):16906-16914. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01730. Epub 2023 Nov 29.

Abstract

A stereoselective and environmentally friendly thiolation of terminal alkynes was reported. Thiuram disulfide reagents (tetramethylthiuram disulfide and tetraethylthiuram disulfide) that reacted with alkynes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/H2O could give (Z)-vinyl sulfides in good yields (up to 88%). This protocol features broad substrate scope, good stereoselectivity, high atom economy, good yields, and is transition metal-free. Mechanistic studies revealed that water and DMSO served as hydrogen sources, which greatly highlighted the unique reactivity of this special reaction involving two H-atom donors.