In Quest of “Stereoselective Switch” for On-Water Hydrothiolation of Terminal Alkynes Using Different Additives and Green Synthesis of Vicinal Dithioethers

Abstract

On-water hydrothiolation reaction between terminal alkyne and thiol has been probed in the presence of various additives. Aromatic alkynes yield corresponding 1-alkenyl sulfides, whereas aliphatic alkynes undergo double-addition yielding vicinal disulfides in good to excellent yields. Formation of 1-alkenyl sulfides proceeds with a high degree of regioselectivity (via anti-Markovnikov addition), and switching the stereoselectivity between E/Z isomers has been noticeably realized in the presence of different additives/promoters.