Catalytic function of a 3,3′-tetramethylene-bridged 4-methylthiazolium salt in the reductive cleavage of the sulphur–sulphur bond of disulphides with o-methylbenzaldehyde and bases

Abstract

A 3,3′-tetramethylene-bridged 4-methylthiazolium salt, in methanol containing o-methylbenzaldehyde and triethylamine or 1,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-5-ene, catalyses the reduction of diphenyl disulphide and lipoamide to the corresponding thiols, with concomitant oxidation of o-methylbenzaldehyde to methyl o-methylbenzoate.