Molybdenum-mediated desulfurization of dhiols and disulfides

We have successfully achieved the molybdenum hexacarbonyl [Mo(CO) ₆] mediated desulfurization of thiols and disulfides. In this reaction, the sulfhydryl (SH) mercapto groups of aryl, benzyl, primary and secondary alkyl thiols, and S-S single bonds of disulfides can be removed. This reaction has high functional group tolerance and is not affected by steric hindrance. The results of the reactions in acetone-d ₆ suggest that the sources of hydrogen in the thiol and disulfide desulfurizations are the hydrogen atom(s) of a sulfhydryl group and acetone (solvent), respectively, and that the desulfurization proceeds via the formation of an organomolybdenum species.