The direct electrochemical synthesis of zinc and cadmium derivatives of α,ω-alkanedithiols and their reaction with carbon disulphide

Abstract

The anodic oxidation of zinc or cadmium in non-aqueous solutions of α,ω-alkanedithiols, HS(CH 2) n SH ( n=2−6) gives the corresponding M[S 2(CH 2) n ] species in high yield. When 2, 2′- bipyridine or 1, 10-phenanthroline are present in the cell, the products are the appropriate 1:1 adducts. These compounds react with carbon disulphide, but in general only one of the two MSC sites undergoes attack. The products are complexes involving one thiolato and one thioxanthato group in the ligand, and the thioxanthate is in the exocyclic ▪ mode.