Acyl Selenyl Sulfides as the Precursors for Reactive Sulfur Species (Hydrogen Sulfide, Polysulfide, and Selenyl Sulfide)

Persulfides are receiving increased attention due to their links to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen polysulfide (H2Sn). Their close analogues selenyl sulfides (RSeSHs), however, have limited literature precedent, and their reactivity and possible role in biology are largely unknown. Here, we devised an acyl selenyl sulfide template to study RSeSH chemistry. Their stability and reactivity toward amines/thiols were studied. These compounds can produce H2S or H2S2 under different conditions, suggesting that RSeSHs are possible intermediates.