Single electron transfer catalyzed simultaneous cleavage of C-S and S-S bonds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-1139(00)82199-5

Since the S-S bond of polysulfides plays a vital role in biological processes, the chemistry of the S-S bond has attracted considerable attention.The reaction of bis-(trifluoromethyl) trisulfide with organolithium reagents at -78 deg C has now been found to cause simultaneous scissions of the C-S and S-S bonds and to furnish mixed monosulfides, disulfides and trisulfides containing the trifluoromethyl moiety.The formation of the various products has been rationalized on the basis of the involvement of the single electron transfer process.