Aluminium(salen) and Tetrabutylammonium Bromide Catalysed Synthesis of Cyclic Di- and Trithiocarbonates from Epoxides and Carbon Disulfide

The combination of a bimetallic aluminium(salen) complex and tetrabutylammonium bromide was found to catalyse the synthesis of cyclic di- and trithiocarbonates from epoxides and carbon disulfide. Reactions carried out at 50 degrees C produced 1,3-oxathiolane-2-thiones, whilst at 90 degrees C, 1,3-dithiolane-2-thiones were formed.