Synthesis of dithioacetals via gold-catalysed hydrothiolation of vinyl sulfides

The synthesis of unsymmetrical dithioacetals based on gold catalysis is described. Although many approaches to the preparation of symmetrical dithioacetals have been developed, the methods to access unsymmetrical ones remain limited. In this regard, we report a mild synthetic method with a broad substrate scope. Screening of various gold catalysts identified a catalyst, which allows the hydrothiolation of both activated and unactivated vinyl sulfides with high efficiency. Moreover, the reaction displays broad compatibility for both aryl and aliphatic thiols.