Synthesis of Symmetrical Sulfides Enabled by a Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate Acting as a Divalent Sulfur Source.

Herein, we present a safe and practical methodology for synthesizing symmetrical sulfides using iodoarenes and potassium metabisulfite (K 2 S 2 O 5 ). While K 2 S 2 O 5 is known as a convenient sulfur dioxide surrogate, here it acts as a divalent sulfur source, pioneering its potential utility. The reaction exhibits wide substrate generality in which even highly bulky substrates can be applied to afford sterically congested sulfides.