Electrochemical Oxidative Sulfenocyclization of Alkenoic Acids with Disulfides for the Synthesis of Lactones

A direct electrochemical oxidative sulfenocyclization of alkenoic acids with disulfides for the synthesis of substituted lactone derivatives has been developed under metal-free and oxidant-free conditions. The simple undivided cell with platinum/platinum electrode setups offers broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility, affording a series of thio-substituted lactones in moderate to good chemical yields. Furthermore, the mechanism has been investigated by control experiments and cyclic voltammetry. A direct electrochemical oxidative sulfenocyclization of alkenoic acids with disulfides for the synthesis of substituted lactone derivatives has been developed under metal-free and oxidant-free conditions.image