Tunable electrosynthesis of functionalized phenoxazines from alcohols and P4S10

Abstract

An eco-friendly electrochemical three-component synthesis of phosphorodithiolated phenoxazines from phenoxazine, alcohols and P₄S₁₀ is reported under ambient conditions. The highlight is that low-cost P₄S₁₀ acts as the only P and S source, and no additional oxidant is needed. Selective formation of bis-phosphorodithiolated products is achieved simply by varying the reaction time. Control and radical trapping experiments prove a radical-based reaction pathway.