Synthesis of Symmetrical Sulfides Enabled by a Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate Acting as a Divalent Sulfur Source

Org Lett. 2022 May 27;24(20):3663-3667. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c01284. Epub 2022 May 16.

Abstract

Herein, we present a safe and practical methodology for synthesizing symmetrical sulfides using iodoarenes and potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5). While K2S2O5 is known as a convenient sulfur dioxide surrogate, here it acts as a divalent sulfur source, pioneering its potential utility. The reaction exhibits wide substrate generality in which even highly bulky substrates can be applied to afford sterically congested sulfides.