Conversion of norbornene derivatives into vicinal-dithioethers via S8 activation

Norbornene reacts with elemental sulfur to give a mixture of trithiolane and pentathiepane. Sulfuration of norbornene derivatives was achieved with elemental sulfur, by using a catalytic amount of a nickel complex, to afford selectively the corresponding trithiolanes. The most effective catalytic system was Ni(NH3)6Cl2 in dimethylformamide. The trithiolanes were reduced with super-hydride into 1,2-dithiolate salts, and quenched in situ to form vicinal-dithioethers.