Sulfides, benzothiazolyl alkyl desulfurization

Benzothiazolyl alkyl sulfides, prepared from the corresponding alcohols, are easily desulfurized (87-99%) by TBTH-AIBN. This reaction constitutes a good indirect deoxygenation of alcohols. Desulfurization of dithioketals may be controlled. Thus 1,3-dithiolanes with 1 mol equiv. of TBTH lead to 3-alkyl (or 3-aryl) thiols (64-82%), while 4 mol equiv. of TBTH leads to the completely desulfurized derivative. Desulfurization of heterocyclic thiones is also performed with this reagent. In passing, it should be noted that generation of radicals from C—S bonds and tin hydrides in the presence of radical initiators is of large synthetic interest. ... 

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