Implications for the existence of a heptasulfur linkage in natural o-benzopolysulfanes

J Nat Prod. 2007 Sep;70(9):1492-4. doi: 10.1021/np070108t. Epub 2007 Aug 22.

Abstract

Natural o-benzopolysulfanes are often thought to exist as either the trisulfane or pentasulfane; the nomenclature has evolved around such notions. No study makes reference to the possible existence of natural o-benzoheptasulfanes. The work performed here indicates that a facile equilibration takes place between the tri-, penta-, and heptasulfanes (o-C(6)H(4)S(3), o-C(6)H(4)S(5), and o-C(6)H(4)S(7)) in solution. In these simpler (unnatural) compounds, the number of sulfur atoms can be established unequivocally from their independent syntheses. The o-benzopolysulfanes, even after purification, yield mixtures of compounds in solution. A similar equilibration may be anticipated for the corresponding natural products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzene Derivatives / chemical synthesis
  • Benzene Derivatives / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / chemical synthesis
  • Biological Products / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Sulfur Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Sulfur Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Benzene Derivatives
  • Biological Products
  • Polymers
  • Sulfur Compounds