Synthesis of unsymmetrical phosphorus disulfides

Abstract

A sulfur-mediated umpolung strategy employing N-thiosuccinimides and (EtO)₂P(O)SH has been developed to synthesize unsymmetrical organophosphorus disulfides (P(O)–S–S motif). A pronucleophile (EtO)₂P(O)SH, Brønsted acid and phosphorothioate nucleophile, converts N-thiosuccinimides into unsymmetrical phosphorus disulfides. This protocol achieves catalyst- and additive-free reaction conditions, uses a renewable solvent (EtOH), and avoids harsh reagents.