The reaction of benzothiazole sulfenamide with (TMS)3SiH: An example of degenerate-branched chain process

The reaction of sulfenamide 3 with (TMS)3SiH initiated by the decomposition of AIBN at 76 °C has been studied in some detail. The reaction is a rare example of a radical chain-branching process. The two main products are dialkylamine 4 and the thiosilane 5. It is also established that 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2) is formed in a substantial yield as one of the by-products. The mechanism of this chain autocatalytic reaction is complex due to a mix of different radical chain reactions and some discussion is provided. The amine obtained in a quantitative yield can arise from two independent routes of attack of (TMS)3Siradical dot radical on sulfenamide 3. The minor route affords thiol 2 that can act as a catalyst for the major route during the reaction course and then gives a salt with secondary amine, which precipitates upon cooling. The origin of autocatalysis is discussed in some detail.