Large-Scale Preparation of [13C]Methyl Phenyl Sulfide from [13C]Methanol by a One-Step Process

Abstract

We have developed a large-scale “one-pot” procedure for the conversion of commercially available [13C]- or [2H3,13C]methanol to [13C]- or [2H3,13C]methyl phenyl sulfide. [13C]methyl phenyl sulfide is a potentially versatile, chemically stable, and nonvolatile labeling precursor. In addition, we report an efficient method for the oxidation of [13C]methyl phenyl sulfide to [13C]methyl phenyl sulfone. Finally, we have used [13C]methyl phenyl sulfide to produce 13C-labeled methyl iodide, containing exactly one or two deuterons.