Synthesis 2007(22): 3528-3534  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990853
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Functionalization of Cysteine Derivatives by Unsymmetrical Disulfide Bond Formation

Mateusz Szymelfejnik, Sebastian Demkowicz, Janusz Rachon, Dariusz Witt*
Department of Organic Chemistry, Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland
Fax: +48(58)3472694; e-Mail: dwitt@chem.pg.gda.pl;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 23 July 2007
Publication Date:
29 October 2007 (online)

Abstract

We have developed a convenient method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides of l-cysteine under mild conditions in good to excellent yields. The described method is based on the straightforward preparation of 5,5-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,3,2-dioxa­phosphorinane-2-sulfenyl bromide from readily available bis(5,5-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-2-yl) disulfide. The unsymmetrical disulfides can be obtained for l-cysteine derivatives and thiols bearing neutral, basic, or acidic functionalities.