Synthesis of thiiranes by direct sulfur transfer: The challenge of developing effective sulfur donors and metal catalysts

The synthesis of thiiranes by direct sulfur transfer agents was studied. The challenge of developing effective sulfur donors and metal catalysts was described. The sulfur-transferring agents for direct episulfidation were classified into two broad categories known as stoichiometric and metal-catalyzed modes of operations. The kinetics of trapping of the atomic sulfur species S(3P)16 and S(1D)17 with various alkenes was also examined. The reactions of triplet atomic sulfur were discussed. It was found that the singlet state [S(1D)] in the triplet atomic sulfur[S(3P)] was suitable for episulfidation in the solution and the vapor phase.