Synthesis and structural characterization of enantiopure camphor-based di-, tri- and tetrasulfides

The dithiane (6) was synthesized by bromine oxidation of the dithiol (5), d espite the significant steric strain in the pentacyclic system. In the pres ence of elemental sulfur the oxidation of 5 gave selectively the 1,2,3-trit hiacycloheptane (7), while from the diastereomeric dithiol (4) under the sa me conditions the 1,2,3,4-tetrathiacyclooctane (8) was obtained in good yie ld. The geometry of the molecules was determined by X-Ray analysis.