Synthesis of Sulfur-Containing Heterocycles by Electrophilic Addition Reactions of Disulfur Dichloride

This review compiles and summarizes approaches to the preparation of heterocyclic systems containing sulfur atoms based on the reactions of disulfur dichloride which acts as an electrophilic reagent. It is shown that as a result of these transformations heterocycles with different numbers of sulfur atoms can be synthesized: 1,2,5-thiadiazoles, 1,2- and 1,4-thiazines, 1,2-dithiols, 1,2,3-dithiazoles, 1,2,3,4,5-pentathiepines, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7-heptathiocanes, and many others. The yields of the products of these reactions depend to a significant extent on the ratio of the reactants, the nature of the solvent, the base used, and the temperature. The exceptional role of disulfur dichloride in the synthesis of various sulfur-containing heterocycles is shown.