An odorless and efficient synthesis of symmetrical thioethers using organic halides and thiourea in Triton X10 aqueous micelles

Abstract

The synthesis of symmetrical thioethers using organic halides and thiourea in Triton X10 aqueous micelles under basic conditions has been described. Primary alkyl, allyl and benzyl halides can be converted efficiently into symmetrical thioethers in high yields. The entire route is an almost odorless process, and the protocol is applicable to large-scale operation without any problem.

Keywords:

• symmetrical thioethers
• organic halides
• thiourea
• Triton X10
• aqueous micelles

Acknowledgements

We thank Analysis and Testing Center, Nanjing University of Science and Technology for support of this work.