Direct introduction of -SCH3 groups into activated aromatic and hetero
aromatic compounds has been achieved by reaction with dimethyldisuifi
de over a MnCl2-promoted K-10 montmorillonite. Unlike ZnCl2/K-10, the
Mn-promoted clay appears to promote reaction by coordination of the ar
omatic substrate at the active site followed by attack of the disulfid
e at the activated aromatic.