Photochemical metal-free aerobic oxidation of thiols to disulfides

Thiol oxidation to disulfides is an area of great importance in organic synthesis, both for synthetic and biological purposes. Herein, we report a mild, inexpensive and green photochemical approach for the synthesis of both symmetrical and non-symmetrical disulfides, using metal-free and environmentally friendly conditions. Utilizing phenylglyoxylic acid as the photoinitiator, common household bulbs as the light source and a simple inorganic salt as the additive, a versatile oxidation of thiols leading to products in excellent yields is described.

Automated summary

A new photochemical approach for the synthesis of symmetrical and non-symmetrical disulfides is described, utilizing mild, inexpensive and green conditions. The method involves the use of phenylglyoxylic acid as the photoinitiator, household bulbs as the light source, and a simple inorganic salt as the additive, resulting in excellent yields of the products.