Method for Preparing the Trichlorosilylsulfide Anion and Its Use in the Preparation of Organosulfur Compounds

Technology

The formation of carbon-sulfur bonds is a valuable tool in the arsenal of synthetic chemists as they synthesize compounds for purposes ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials. Carbon-sulfur bonds are also critical aspects of compounds that stabilize nanoparticles such as quantum dots. The patented method for the preparation of a useful reagent which allows for the formation of such carbon-sulfur bonds promises to make the preparation of a broad array of useful fine chemicals cheaper and safer. 

Problem Addressed

The existing methods for preparing thiols and thiones (broad classes of compounds characterized by their possession of carbon-sulfur bonds) all require the use of hydrogen sulfide, which is extremely toxic in gaseous form and has a risk of explosion in liquid form. Prior methods of preparation also frequently involve expensive reagents and particularized lab temperatures to enable the reactions. This technology discloses methods to prepare the same compounds using less expensive and volatile reagents and with less need to carefully control ambient temperature. 

Advantages

• Avoids use of liquid or gaseous hydrogen sulfide in preparation of useful compounds 

• Uses inexpensive and high-volume materials to generate the reagent 

• Reaction proceeds easily and safely at ambient temperatures 

Publications

Michael B. Geeson, et al. Orthophosphate and Sulfate Utilization for C–E (E = P, S) Bond Formation via Trichlorosilyl Phosphide and Sulfide Anions. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2019 Mar 22. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b01475