Background: Dithioacetals, as more stable derivatives of carbonyl compounds, hold a special place in organic chemistry. They are widely used for protecting functional groups and in the design of antiviral drugs. Conventional synthetic methods for these compounds often require metal catalysts, harsh conditions, or harmful organic solvents, which conflict with the principles of green chemistry. In recent years, the use of alternative energy sources such as visible light and environmentally friendly oxidants has gained attention among researchers. Potassium persulfate, as a powerful and inexpensive oxidant, is capable of generating active radicals that can facilitate organic reactions under mild conditions. Accordingly, the use of visible light to activate potassium persulfate represents a novel and efficient approach in the synthesis of organic compounds. This study aims to introduce a simple, green, and effective method for the synthesis of dithioacetals based on visible-light-driven activation of potassium persulfate.
Objective: The objective of this research is to develop a green and efficient method for the synthesis of dithioacetals through the visible-light activation of potassium persulfate.
Methodology: This project involves a one-pot, one-step reaction in which two carbon–sulfur bonds are formed. Initially, the reaction conditions were optimized by investigating different solvents, various wavelengths of visible light, and different amounts of catalyst and starting materials. Subsequently, under the optimized conditions, various dithioacetal derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of aldehydes with different thiols.
Outcome: Dithioacetals were successfully synthesized through the reaction of aldehydes with thiols.
Conclusion: This study presents a novel and cost-effective method for the preparation of dithioacetal-containing compounds. Using aldehydes as starting materials, thiols as nucleophiles, and potassium persulfate as the oxidant, the synthesis w