Preparation of 2-(2-cyanoethyl)sulfanyl-1H-isoindole-1,3-(2H)-dione and related sulfur-transfer agents

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)00924-1

The title compound 3 and 4-[(2-cyanoethyl)sulfanyl]morpholine-3,5-dione 12 are both conveniently prepared in good yield from 2-cyanoethyl disulfide, which itself is readily prepared in one step from S-(2-cyanoethyl)isothiouronium chloride 4. In the same way, dimethyl and diphenyl disulfides are converted, into 2-methylsulfanyl- and 2-phenylsulfanyl-1H-isoindole-1,3-(2H)-diones 8a and 8b, respectively, also in good yields.