10.1080/10426500008042091
The research discusses a new method of decarboxylative sulfanylation of some phenylsulfonyl arylacetic acids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reaction of α-phenylsulfonyl arylacetic acids with NaH in DMSO and dimethyl disulfide, leading to the formation of α-sulfanylated benzyl phenyl sulfones. The researchers found that while certain acids resulted in the corresponding sulfanylated sulfones, one acid yielded an unsulfanylated sulfone. The study also explored the mechanisms behind these reactions, suggesting that decarboxylation occurs at the initial stage, leading to the formation of α-sulfonyl carbanions which then undergo sulfanylation. Key chemicals used in the process include phenylacetic acid, 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid, α-phenylpropionic acid, NaH, DMSO, and dimethyl disulfide. The conclusions drawn from the study mark the first instance of α-phenylsulfonyl carbanions, generated by decarboxylation of the corresponding carboxylic acids, reacting with a sulfur electrophile.