Thio-photocatalysis II: Synthesis of dioctylsulfide in the liquid phase by the photocatalytic addition of 1-octanethiol on 1-octene

Photocatalytic synthesis of dioctylsulfide has been performed at room temperature in liquid phase by addition of 1-octanethiol on 1-octene in contact with illuminated TiO2. Under inert atmosphere, dioctylsulfide is selectively obtained whereas in the presence of oxygen high selectivity in n-dioctylsulfide has vanished. This study illustrates the potential of photocatalysis for the production of thio-compounds.