Bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl)disulfides Act as Electron Acceptors for EDA Complexes for the Synthesis of Dithiocarbamate Derivatives under Visible Light

This study proposes a green and efficient atom- and step-economical method for converting hazardous CS₂ to dithiocarbamate derivatives under visible light irradiation and catalyst-free conditions. By the construction of novel C–S and C–N bonds, a series of β-dicarbonyl compounds and amines are incorporated into the products. Under light, CS₂ and amine first form bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl)disulfides, which then react with K₂CO₃-activated β-dicarbonyl compounds to form electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes and subsequently generate the target products. This study confirms for the first time that bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl)disulfides can act as electron acceptors to form an EDA complex with β-dicarbonyl compounds, which are then coupled to form the target product under light.