Access to α,α-dithioketones through direct di-sulfenylation of methyl ketones mediated by KOH-DMSO system

A direct di-sulfenylation of methyl ketones with disulfides mediated by KOH-DMSO superbase system has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient route to α,α-dithioketones, which has the advantages of readily available non-prefunctionalized substrates, good functional group tolerance, excellent yields as well as high selectivity. In a single operation, two CS bonds are simultaneously built on the same carbon atom under mild reaction conditions.