Simple Conversion of Thiols to Disulfides in EtOH under Ambient Aerobic Conditions without using any Catalyst or Additive

Abstract

EtOH was found to be an excellent medium for the aerobic S–S coupling reactions of various alkyl and aryl thiols. A series of useful disulfides RSSR have been synthesised in good to excellent yields without using any additional catalyst, oxidant or additive. Moreover, most products could be obtained by simply removing the solvent after completion of the reaction. Satisfactory results were obtained for both mg- and g-scale reactions.