In situ generated HClO for the conversion of thiols and disulfides into thiosulfonates

Abstract

A new, practical method for the oxidative conversion of disulfides into thiosulfonates is reported. It is based on the use of hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant and HCl as a source of the actual catalyst, in acetonitrile as solvent at room temperature. Both disulfides and thiols are efficient substrates for this reaction that permitted the preparation of a small library of symmetrical thiosulfonates in good yields.