Water oxidation by Brønsted acid-catalyzed<i>in situ</i>generated thiol cation: dual function of the acid catalyst leading to transition metal-free substitution and addition reactions of S–S bonds

Abstract

An unprecedented water oxidation reaction by a small organic molecule is observed for the first time. This led to the facile synthesis of thioethers via Brønsted acid-catalyzed reactions of alcohols, alkenes, and alkynes with advantageous disulfides.