Synthesis of Some New Symmetrically Substituted 2,2′-Dipyridyl Disulfides

Abstract

In connection with a mechanistic study of macrolide ring closure^1,2 it was necessary to prepare a number of symmetrically substituted 2,2′-dipyridyl disulfides. Members of this class have found useful applications in analytical thiol determination,³ metal chelation studies,⁴ and tumor inhibition studies.⁵ In view of the potential usefulness of these compounds in these and other areas, their synthesis is described below. Most of the compounds described herein are new;⁶ two of them (III and IV) are known compounds prepared by a new route.