Dithiotosylates as reagents in organic synthesis

Abstract

Reliable procedures for the preparation of trimethylene and ethylene dithiotosylates are reported. Techniques for the formation of dithianes and dithiolanes by reaction of these reagents with activated methylene groups are described; these include prior activation of methylene groups adjacent to carbonyl by conversion to either hydroxymethylene or enamine derivatives. Applications of dithiotosylate reactions to various aspects of organic synthesis are discussed.