Studies on the double alkylation of 2,2-disubstituted-1,3-dithiacycloalkane-S-oxides: synthesis of tertiary thiol derivatives

Di-alkylation of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dithiacycloalkane-S-oxides has been achieved allowing the synthesis of two tertiary thiol centres. The diastereoisomers of the mono-alkylated products have been shown to react at different rates. The X-ray crystal structures of three substituted dithiane-S-oxides have been determined, and the conversion of the dialkylated products into cyclic disulfide derivatives of tertiary thiols (1,2-dithiolanes) has been achieved by treatment with acid.