An efficient and practical O-methylation of dithiaalkanediols

Abstract

A very simple method for the O-Methylation of thiodiglycol and dithiaalkanediols has been developed. Dimethyl ethers were prepared using stoichiometric amounts of dimethyl sulfate in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of solid crushed potassium hydroxide. This method is suitable for the synthesis of methyl ethers in high yields and with high selectivity.

Keywords:

• Dithiaalkanediols
• O-Methylation
• Thiodiglycol
• Chemical warfare agents
• Sesquimustard
• Sulfur mustard
• Dimethyl sulfate

Acknowledgements

We thank Shri K. Sekhar, Director, DRDE, Gwalior for his keen interest and encouragement.