Thiomagnesium alkyls

Abstract

Alkylthiomagnesium alkyls, R¹MgSR², disproportionate to R¹₂Mg and Mg(SR²)₂ more readily than their zinc analogues. The dimeric (in benzene) ether and tetrahydrofuran complexes (Bu^tMgSPrⁱOEt₂)₂, (MeMgSBu^tOC₄H₈)₂, and (EtMgSBu^tOC₄H₈)₂ are believed to contain sulphur bridges. The tetramer (EtMgSBu^t)₄ is obtained when ether-free reagents are used. The dimethylaminoethylthio-compounds RMgSC₂H₄NMe₂, can be prepared in the presence of ether and are tetrameric when R = Me and ca. dimeric when R = Bu^t.