Recent progress in direct dithiocarbamation reactions involving simple electrophiles: Strategies, mechanisms and future prospects

Dithiocarbamates (DTCs) are identified as a type of chemical entities marked by the presence of the dithiocarbamate functional group (amine-1-carbodithioic acid -amides originating from dithiocarbamic acid), where a carbon atom is linked covalently to two sulfur atoms and a nitrogen atom. These compounds constitute a versatile organo‑sulfur system, which has been the subject of extensive research over the past two decades, particularly regarding their synthetic and pharmacological applications. The properties associated with DTCs, their derivatives, and the related metal complexes encompass antitumor, antiviral, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antitubercular, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant features.

This review article presents a detailed analysis of recent progress in direct dithiocarbamation reactions, classifying them based on various sources of the –S–C(S)NR₂ group. It highlights the substrate scope and reaction mechanisms while also addressing certain synthetic limitations and practical applications. Aimed at both general readers and experts, this review seeks to provide up-to-date insights into the field, fostering new ideas for organosulfur compound synthesis.