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Synlett 2008(8): 1265-1266  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1072741
SPOTLIGHT
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Disulfur Dichloride (S2Cl2)

Bárbara Vasconcellos da Silva*
Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco A, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
e-Mail: barbara.iq@gmail.com;
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 April 2008 (online)

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Introduction

Disulfur dichloride (S2Cl2), also known as sulfur chloride (SCl), is widely used in organic synthesis as a sulfurizing and chlorinating agent. Sulfide compounds are found in many natural products and may have useful biological properties. [1] This reagent has been explored for the preparation of heteroaryl disulfides, [2] symmetric aryl di-, tri-, and tetrasulfides, [2] [3] episulfides [4] and benzopolysulfides. [5] [6] Moreover, S2Cl2 is a suitable substrate for the synthesis of dialkoxy disulfide, [7] or for the Herz reaction. [8] It decomposes into SO2, HCl, and S8 when exposed to wet air due to reaction with water.

S2Cl2 is a smelly, clear, yellowish-red, oily liquid. It should be used with care and proper precautions must be taken because it is toxic, corrosive, and harmful to the environment.