Dithiocarboxylic acid, conversion

Amongst the important chemical conversions of macromolecular substances are the various reactions of cellulose. The three hydroxy groups per CRU can be partially or completely esterified or etherified. The number of hydroxy groups acetylated per CRU are indicated by the names, i.e., cellulose triacetate, cellulose 2-acetate, etc. Another commercially important reaction of cellulose is its conversion to dithiocarboxylic acid derivatives (xanthates). Aqueous solutions of the sodium salt are known as viscose they are spun into baths containing mineral acid, thereby regenerating the cellulose in the form of an insoluble fiber known as viscose rayon. 

BC13 convert 0=0 groups of ketones, lactones, and lactams to G=S groups119 and H2S-Me3SiCl-i-Pr2NLi converts carboxylic esters to thiono esters.120 Carboxylic acids RCOOH can be converted directly to dithiocarboxylic esters RCSSR, 120a in moderate yield, with P4S, and a primary alcohol R OH.121 Thioketones can also be prepared by treatment of ketones with P4SI0,122 and from oximes or various types of hydrazone (overall conversion C=N------> C=S).123... 

Perregaard, J. and Lawesson, S. O., Studies on organophosphorus compounds - XVI. On 0,0-Dialkyl dithiophosphoric acids and N,N,N, N -tetramethylthiophosphoric diamide as thiation agents conversion of carboxamide into thiocarboxamides, alkyl dithiocarboxylates, or nitriles, Bull Soc. Chim. Belg., 1977, 86,321. 

---