Selective Synthesis of Symmetrical Thiosulfonates via Oxidative Coupling of Thiols Catalyzed by Diorganyl Diselenide.

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of symmetrical thiosulfonates through direct oxidative coupling of thiols is reported. Dibutyl diselenide was suitably applied as a catalyst for the selective conversion of thiols into respective thiosulfonates in good yields. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed a radical reaction pathway for the preparation of target products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]