Efficient and practical synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides<i>via</i>base-catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative coupling of thiols

Abstract

A novel M₂CO₃-catalyzed aerobic oxidative heterocoupling of thiols with air as the oxidant was described for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides. High atom economy, green catalyst and oxidant, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scope make this strategy extremely attractive.