A New Synthon for Main Group Metal Dithionites in a Non-Aqueous Environment

Abstract

The lithium, sodium, and potassium salts of the dithionite anion have been synthesized by the direct reaction of sulfur dioxide with the metal tri-sec-butylborohydride in tetrahydrofuran at low temperatures. The reaction routinely yields lithium and sodium dithionite with purities ranging from 75–88%. The method is less effective for the production of potassium dithionite, generally yielding a mixture of salts containing less than 70% K₂S₂O₄.