Molybdenum-Mediated Desulfurization of Thiols and Disulfides

Abstract

We have successfully achieved the molybdenum hexacarbonyl [Mo(CO)₆] mediated desulfurization of thiols and disulfides. In this reaction, the sulfhydryl (SH) mercapto groups of aryl, benzyl, primary and secondary alkyl thiols, and S–S single bonds of disulfides can be removed. This reaction has high functional group tolerance and is not affected by steric hindrance. The results of the reactions in acetone-d ₆ suggest that the sources of hydrogen in the thiol and disulfide desulfurizations are the hydrogen atom(s) of a sulfhydryl group and acetone (solvent), respectively, and that the desulfurization proceeds via the formation of an organomolybdenum species.

Key words

desulfurization - molybdenum - thiols - disulfides - cleavage

• References and Notes

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