Utilizing an elemental sulfur and molecular hydrogen combination: cobalt silicate-catalyzed thiol synthesis from carbonyls

Abstract

We describe a cobalt silicate-catalyzed thiol synthesis from carbonyl and nitrile compounds using elemental sulfur and hydrogen. The system yields various thiols efficiently, with high catalyst recyclability. Mechanistic studies suggest the formation of sulfonium cations and polysulfanes as reaction intermediates, and sodium cations significantly influence the yield.