Sulfide ion transfer from a vicinal dithiolate. A new route for the synthesis of mesocyclic trithiaethers

Four mesocyclic and one macrocyclic trithiaethers have been synthesized using a sulfide ion transfer from a vicinal dithiolate. The mechanism of the sulfide ion transfer is discussed. An improved method for synthesizing 2-hydroxymethyl-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane is also reported.