Direct perfluoroalkylation of aliphatic thiols was pet-formed in the presen
ce of sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate (Rongalite). Reaction of mercaptoalkan
oic esters with trifluoromethyl bromide gave the corresponding trifluoromet
hylthio ethers. Condensation of alkane dithiols with perfluoroalkyl iodides
led mainly to fluorinated dithioethers. These alkylation reactions are int
erpreted as occurring via in situ formation of dialkyldisulfides. (C) 2000
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