Thiols, thioethers, and related compounds as sources of C-centred radicals

Due to their stability, availability and reactivity, sulfides are particularly attractive sources of carbon-centered radicals. However, their reactivity in homolytic substitution processes is strongly reduced when compared with the corresponding selenides or halides. Despite this, sulfur-containing compounds can be engineered so that they become effective agents in radical chain reactions. A detailed description of the reactivity of organo-sulfur compounds is reported here with the aim of providing clear guidance on the scope and limitation of their use as radical precursors in chain reactions.